SERMON NOTES WITH APPLICATION - "SEEING PASS WHAT IS TO WHAT SHALL BECOME" PT I - I SAMUEL 13:13-14; 16:1-13

Series: Lord, I Want To See

“SEEING PASS WHAT IS TO WHAT SHALL BECOME” PT I

Scripture: 1 Samuel 13:13–14; 16:1–13 (KJV)

Theme: Hidden Manna

Follows: I Want To Get Behind the Veil Pt. I & II

CENTRAL IDEA:

Sometimes we get stuck in what is—our current reality, our losses, our fears—while God is already moving toward what shall become. When Saul failed to obey, God already had His eyes on David. When Samuel mourned what was ending, God was preparing what was beginning.

“The Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

To truly see like God, we must learn to trust His plan, follow His instructions, and believe His promises—even when we can’t yet see the outcome.

POINT 1: GOD ALWAYS HAS A PLAN BEFORE THE PROBLEM (13:13–14)

Meaning:

Saul’s failure didn’t surprise God. God already had a “man after His own heart” in preparation. God’s purposes don’t collapse because of human mistakes — His plan precedes the problem.

For Believers:

You may think you’ve messed up too much or missed your moment, but God had a plan for redemption before your failure even happened. God’s providence doesn’t panic.

For Seekers:

Even when life feels off track, there’s still purpose working in the background. God’s plan includes you — not to punish you, but to position you.

Practical Application:

• Stop replaying what went wrong; ask, “What is God already preparing for me?”

• Trust that your detour doesn’t cancel your destiny.

• Remember: God’s plan was in motion before the problem arose.

🪞 Reflection: If God already saw your tomorrow, why are you living like He didn’t plan for today?

POINT 2: GOD ALWAYS GIVES PRECISE INSTRUCTIONS (16:1–5)

Meaning:

When Samuel was grieving Saul’s downfall, God said, “How long will you mourn?”Then God gave a specific command: “Fill your horn with oil, and go.”God doesn’t just reveal His will — He directs our steps precisely.

For Believers:

Sometimes God’s next instruction will interrupt your mourning. Stop lingering at the grave of what God has already buried — it’s time to move with His next command.

For Seekers:

You don’t have to have all the answers — just follow the next step that leads toward peace and purpose. God’s guidance is not vague; it comes through His Spirit, His Word, and the quiet nudges of conscience.

Practical Application:

• Listen for God’s instructions before you act — pause and pray.

• Move even when you don’t have the full picture; obedience unlocks clarity.

• Be ready to carry your “horn of oil” — meaning, stay ready to pour out what God has placed in you.

🪞 Reflection: God won’t give new direction to someone who refuses to move from old disappointment.

POINT 3: GOD ALWAYS PERFORMS WHAT HE PROMISED (16:6–13)

Meaning:

Samuel almost anointed the wrong man because he judged by appearance. But God saw something becoming in David that others overlooked. When God promises, He performs — in His timing, His way, through His chosen vessel.

For Believers:

Don’t rush what God is developing. David was anointed long before he was enthroned. The oil will find you when your heart is ready, not just when people approve of you.

For Seekers:

Even if others overlook you, God sees you. You may feel “out in the field,” but you’re still in God’s plan. The promise is already moving toward you.

Practical Application:

• Don’t measure yourself by human standards — God measures by heart, not height.

• Be faithful where you are; destiny finds the diligent.

• When the oil flows, receive it — even if you feel unqualified.

🪞 Reflection: You don’t need to be seen by everyone — just seen by God.

🌬️ TAKEAWAY:

To see past what is to what shall become is to live by faith and not by sight. When God says “I’ve provided,” it means He’s already made provision — even before you realized the need.

Sometimes God must end one thing to begin another. Stop mourning what’s gone and start preparing for what’s coming.

“The Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward.” (v.13)

When you trust God’s plan, follow His instructions, and believe His promise — your anointing meets your assignment.

✝️ Summary for All:

• Young people: God sees your potential before others do — prepare now for later.

• Adults: Don’t get stuck in regret — God’s plan still includes you.

• Christians: Follow divine direction, not emotional reaction.

• Non-Christians: God already has a purpose for your life; He’s just waiting for your “yes.”