* On the heels of disappointment often comes an even greater assignment.

* If you sulk in the past you’ll miss your potential future.

* Backstory - God told Samuel to anoint Saul as king.

* Anointing showed God’s approval - it was a done deal when the oil was poured (sign of Holy Spirit).

* But Saul sinned, and the plan changed.

* Samuel grieved that he had been a part of making Saul king.

* God “regretted” the decision (Genesis 6:6 He regretted making people).

* Little did Samuel know what God had in store for the future, something that had been brewing since Jericho. (Rahab had Boaz married Ruth had Obed had Jesse had David from Judah)

* Vs 15:34-35 - Samuel was down in the dumps.

* It’s ok to mourn a past decision - during that time you can learn a lot!

* Four rules of thumb when something doesn’t work out:

* 1) Don’t rush past it - sit in it for a bit.

* 2) Think about it.

* 3) Pray about it.

* 4) Write about it.

* This will help you process it.

* Vs 16:1 - God says, “Get over it!”

* How would Samuel get over his past disappointment?

* 1) Get a refill - He had to refill his horn with oil.

* This is a symbol of being filled with the Holy Spirit (fill yourself back up and get moving!).

* Go thru the four steps above.

* 2) Start moving forward - take the next logical step.

* 3) Make another decision - Samuel would need to grant his approval on another person.

* * It’s risky to do this, because what if things don’t work out?

* * Well, then you’ll have to go through the process again.

* So what do you do?

* Get refilled by the Holy Spirit and then start moving toward what you “think” you should do, but don’t pour the oil (give your approval) until God says so!

* EX: Winston Salem.