"Now therefore, make a new cart, take two milk cows which have never been yoked; and hitch the cows to the cart, and take their calves home, away from them." — 1 Samuel 6:7
Reflection
The story of 1 Samuel 6:7 takes place after the Ark of the Covenant had been captured by the Philistines and brought trouble to their land. The Philistines wanted to send the Ark back to Israel, but they weren’t sure how to do it. Their solution was unusual: they built a new cart and chose two cows that had never been yoked—meaning they’d never pulled anything together before—and separated them from their calves. The idea was to see if God would guide the cows back to Israel, even though everything about the situation went against the cows’ natural instincts.
This moment is significant because it shows that God’s guidance isn’t limited by what seems logical or normal to us. The Philistines’ test was risky; cows that had never been yoked and had just been separated from their calves should have resisted or turned back, but instead, God led them straight down the road to Israel. This was a clear sign that God was in control. Even when people are uncertain and situations look impossible, God can direct things in ways that don’t make sense by human standards.
The story reminds us that God’s ways are often different from ours. When the path ahead feels confusing or you’re not sure what to do, God can still lead you. He isn’t limited by our doubts or by circumstances that seem stacked against us. Just like He guided the cows, He can guide us—even when we feel inexperienced, unprepared, or scared. His guidance is real, and He wants to show us that He’s trustworthy, especially when things don’t go the way we expect.
Personal Application
As a teenager, you probably face moments when you’re not sure what the right choice is. Maybe you’re figuring out friendships, dealing with school stress, or making decisions about your future. In those times, it’s easy to wish God would just give you a clear sign or make the decision for you. The story in 1 Samuel 6:7 shows that God can give direction, even when things seem unclear or the odds aren’t in your favor.
Trusting God often means moving forward even when you don’t have all the answers. The cows in the story didn’t know where they were going, but God made a way for them. In your own life, trusting God might look like praying before making a decision, listening for His voice through the Bible or advice from someone wise, or stepping out in faith even when it feels uncomfortable. You don’t have to have it all figured out—God just asks you to be willing to follow where He leads.
Taking practical steps of faith can be as simple as being honest when it’s easier to hide, choosing kindness when others aren’t, or standing up for what’s right when it’s unpopular. Each time you obey God and trust Him with the outcome, you grow in faith. Just like the cows on the new cart, your steps might feel awkward or uncertain at first, but God will use them to guide you and help you become stronger and more confident in your walk with Him.
Thought-Provoking Questions
- Can you think of a time when you felt unsure about what to do next? How did you look for God’s guidance?
- What are some things that make it hard for you to trust God’s way, especially when it doesn’t make sense?
- Who in your life encourages you to take steps of faith, even when you’re nervous or uncertain?
- What is one practical step you can take this week to follow God’s lead, even if it feels uncomfortable or risky?
Prayer
God, thank You for guiding me, even when I feel uncertain or afraid. Help me to trust Your ways, especially when they don’t make sense to me. Give me the courage to follow where You lead, and help me to listen for Your voice every day. Remind me that I don’t have to have all the answers because You are with me, guiding my steps. Use my life to show others Your faithfulness and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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