16/08/2026
SERMON TITLE: DO NOT GO AFTER THE DONKEY
TEXT: 1 Samuel 9:3–10, 15–17, 20; Acts 9:1–6, 15–20
THEME:
Your temporary problem must not distract you from your higher calling.
INTRODUCTION:
Saul went searching for lost donkeys, but God was leading him to Samuel and toward kingship. Saul of Tarsus went to persecute believers, but Jesus redirected him to become a chosen instrument. What looked ordinary was actually divine direction. [web:12][web:16]
1. THE DONKEY WAS LOST, BUT GOD HAD NOT LOST SAUL
Saul thought he was only solving a family problem. However, God was using the journey to bring him to the prophet Samuel, whom He had already prepared to anoint Saul as ruler. [web:2][web:13]
Your delay may be divine direction.
Your problem may be positioning you.
Your ordinary journey may be leading to an extraordinary appointment.
2. DO NOT TURN BACK TOO SOON
Saul wanted to return home because the donkeys had not been found. If he had turned back, he would have missed Samuel and the revelation of his calling.
Do not quit because you are tired.
Do not retreat because the answer is delayed.
Do not abandon your journey because the first thing you sought has not appeared.
Your Samuel may be just ahead.
3. YOUR CALLING IS HIGHER THAN YOUR PROBLEM
Samuel told Saul not to worry about the donkeys because they had been found. Then he showed him that something greater was waiting for him: leadership over Israel. [web:12]
The donkey represented a temporary concern.
The anointing represented a lasting assignment.
Do not spend your whole life chasing what God has already taken care of.
4. GOD CAN CHANGE YOUR DIRECTION
In Acts 9, Saul was persecuting Christians when Jesus confronted him on the Damascus road. The persecutor became a preacher, and the enemy of the church became Christ’s chosen instrument. [web:16][web:19]
One encounter with Jesus can change:
- Your direction.
- Your priorities.
- Your identity.
- Your influence.
- Your purpose.
5. YOU HAVE A HIGHER CALLING
God did not call Saul merely to find donkeys. He called him to lead Israel. God did not save Paul merely to forgive him. He commissioned him to proclaim the name of Jesus to the nations. [web:16][web:17]
You are not called only to survive.
You are called to serve.
You are not called only to gain success.
You are called to fulfill purpose.
DECLARATION:
I will not allow temporary problems to distract me from eternal purpose.
I will not turn back too soon.
I will trust God’s direction.
I will embrace my higher calling.
I am not merely chasing the donkey; I am walking toward my divine assignment.
CONCLUSION:
Saul went looking for donkeys but found a kingdom assignment.
Paul went looking for believers but found Jesus.
Do not go after the donkey forever.
The problem may have started your journey, but it is not your destination.
WITH YOUR CALLING, YOU HAVE A HIGHER CALLING.
PRAYER:
Father, open my eyes to see Your purpose in my present circumstances. Help me not to turn back because of delay or disappointment. Lead me into my higher calling, and make me a faithful instrument for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
SOCIAL MEDIA CAPTION:
Do not spend your whole life chasing the donkey when God is preparing you for a kingdom assignment. Your crisis is temporary, but your calling is higher.
