A Wake Up Call From Saul's Fall | 1 Samuel 28:20-25

Have you ever fallen flat on your face?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

In this chapter, King Saul is at rock bottom. He’s been abandoned by God, tormented by fear, and reduced to consulting a witch. His desperation is matched only by his hopelessness when Samuel’s spirit tells him the worst: there’s no escape. Tomorrow’s battle will end in his death. Here is how he responds to the news in 1 Samuel 28:20-25:

Then Saul fell at once full length on the ground, filled with fear because of the words of Samuel. And there was no strength in him, for he had eaten nothing all day and all night. And the woman came to Saul, and when she saw that he was terrified, she said to him, “Behold, your servant has obeyed you. I have taken my life in my hand and have listened to what you have said to me. Now therefore, you also obey your servant. Let me set a morsel of bread before you; and eat, that you may have strength when you go on your way.” He refused and said, “I will not eat.” But his servants, together with the woman, urged him, and he listened to their words. So he arose from the earth and sat on the bed. Now the woman had a fattened calf in the house, and she quickly killed it, and she took flour and kneaded it and baked unleavened bread of it, and she put it before Saul and his servants, and they ate. Then they rose and went away that night. — 1 Samuel 28:20-25

Saul crumples under the weight of the news, lying face down on the ground, paralyzed by fear and weakened from fasting. But what happens next is unexpected. The very woman he turned to in disobedience—the Witch of En-Dor—steps in to care for him compassionately. She risks her life again by preparing a meal to sustain him.

This is a strange scene. Saul, the chosen king of Israel, is reduced to eating a final meal prepared by a witch. It’s a sad and sobering reminder of what happens when we live without total dependence on God. Saul’s decisions led him to this moment. Step by step, he prioritized his pride over obedience, human approval over divine direction, and his desires over God’s will.

Staring death in the face should shift life into focus.

When we stare death in the face, life suddenly becomes crystal clear. We realize how brief our time is and how much our choices matter. Every funeral I’ve officiated has been a sobering reminder of this truth. We’re not thinking about our accomplishments, possessions, or accolades in those moments. Instead, we’re confronted with questions: What will be said of me, and where will I spend eternity?

Saul’s story is tragic because he had so many chances to turn back to God, but he didn’t. His pride, fear, and sin led him to a desperate, empty end. And here’s the thing: Saul didn’t have to finish life by falling on his face. Neither do you.

If you’re reading this today, it’s not too late. You still have the opportunity to surrender your life to Jesus and let Him rewrite your story. The brevity of life isn’t meant to paralyze us like it did Saul; it’s meant to wake us up. Jesus Christ came to give you new life—an eternal one filled with hope, forgiveness, and purpose. He gave His life on the cross for your sins, and He rose from the grave to conquer death for you.

But here’s the key: you have to make a decision. You must trust Him, let go of your pride and sin, and follow Him wholeheartedly. Don’t wait until it’s too late, like Saul.

If you feel God stirring in your heart today, I invite you to take that step. Pray this simple prayer:

“Jesus, I need You. I believe You died for my sins and rose again to give me life. Forgive me for my sins and take control of my life. I choose to follow You today and every day. Amen.”

If you prayed that prayer, you’ve just made the most important decision of your life. Let me know by leaving a comment below.

#EternalPerspective, #ChooseJesus, #LifeAndLegacy

Ask This:
Are you living in a way that reflects dependence on God or reliance on yourself?
What steps can you take today to prepare for eternity with Jesus?
Do This:
Don't fall on your face.

Pray This:
Lord, help me see the brevity of life and turn to You with all my heart. I surrender my pride and choose to follow You today. Amen.

Play This:
We Fall Down.