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God’s Next is Better than your Last - It’s Time to Move | 1 Samuel 16:1–13

  • Writer: Harvest Baptist Church Louisville
    Harvest Baptist Church Louisville
  • Sep 3
  • 3 min read

August 2025's Featured Sermon of the Month



Seasons of loss and disappointment can leave us paralyzed, unsure of how to move forward. Yet God reminds His people that His plans are never finished, and His future is always greater than what has been left behind. In this message, the church was challenged to let go of past hurts and step forward in faith. Pastor’s preaching centered on Isaiah 43:18–19 and 1 Samuel 16:1–13, calling the congregation to stop mourning the past and embrace the new work of God.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love god, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, KJV)

A GOD WHO DOES A NEW THING


“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing.” (Isaiah 43:18–19, KJV)


The service began with the reminder from Isaiah that God is always doing something new. Just as Israel longed to return to Egypt after being delivered, believers are often tempted to look back instead of forward. God calls us to lift our eyes from the past and trust His promises for tomorrow.


LETTING GO OF PROLONGED MOURNING


Samuel mourned over Saul’s failure as king, but God challenged him with a piercing question: “How long wilt thou mourn for Saul?” We too can become stuck in grief, regret, or nostalgia, unable to see the new chapter God is writing. Prolonged mourning blinds us to God’s provision for the future.

“How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill thine horn with oil, and go.” (1 Samuel 16:1, KJV)

GOD’S PLAN IS NOT DERAILED BY FAILURE


Even though Saul disobeyed, God’s purposes were not undone. His plan for Israel continued, and His plan for our lives is never canceled by human failure. When one chapter ends, God is already preparing the next.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, KJV)

PREPARE YOURSELF TO OBEY


Before Samuel could anoint the next king, God told him to fill his horn with oil. Preparation comes before revelation. We cannot sit idle and wait for every detail to be revealed; we must ready ourselves in prayer, worship, and faith so that we are prepared when God calls us to move.

“Fill thine horn with oil, and go.” (1 Samuel 16:1, KJV)

GOD LOOKS AT THE HEART


When Samuel saw Jesse’s eldest son, Eliab, he assumed this was God’s choice. But God reminded him that He does not judge as man judges. True worth is not in appearance, status, or strength, but in the posture of the heart before God.

“For 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, KJV)

FEAR GIVES WAY TO WORSHIP


Samuel hesitated out of fear, but God’s answer was worship: “Come to sacrifice to the Lord.” Worship is the cure for fear because it shifts our eyes from what we cannot control to the One who reigns over all. Worship is the pathway to courage.

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” (Psalm 100:4, KJV)

POINTING TO THE GREATER KING


David was chosen, but even David’s reign pointed to a greater King, Jesus Christ. David may have been a man after God’s heart, but only Christ is the perfect King who saves, redeems, and rules eternally. The sermon ended with a call to look to Christ as Savior and Lord, trusting His reign above all else.

“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3, KJV)

Reflection Questions

  1. What past hurt or failure is God asking you to stop mourning?

  2. How can you “fill your horn with oil” this week to prepare for God’s next step in your life?

  3. In what ways do you judge by appearance rather than the heart?

  4. How can worship shift your perspective from fear to faith?

  5. Do you believe that God’s “next” is truly better than your “last”?


When sorrow lingers and the past weighs heavy, remember: God’s plan is never halted by failure, His “next” is always greater than your “last.”



 
 
 

The Harvester

At 'The Harvester,' we delve deep into the heart of our faith, community, and the vibrant life we share at Harvest Baptist Church in Fairdale/Louisville, Kentucky. This blog is our digital pulpit, a place where we connect, reflect, and share the essence of our church's mission and the teachings of Christ.

 

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