The Open Heaven 17 April 2025 devotional for today is DON’T HELP GOD. The author of this daily devotion is Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
OPEN HEAVEN 17 APRIL 2025 TODAY DEVOTIONAL
TOPIC: DON’T HELP GOD
MEMORISE
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5
READ: 1 Samuel 13:1-14
Saul reigned one year; and when he had reigned two years over Israel,
2 Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent.
3 And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear.
4 And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also was had in abomination with the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal.
5 And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the sea shore in multitude: and they came up, and pitched in Michmash, eastward from Bethaven.
6 When the men of Israel saw that they were in a strait, (for the people were distressed,) then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits.
7 And some of the Hebrews went over Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling.
8 And he tarried seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed: but Samuel came not to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him.
9 And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering.
10 And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him.
11 And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash;
12 Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the Lord: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering.
13 And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the Lord have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.
14 But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the Lord commanded thee.
RCCG OPEN HEAVEN 17 APRIL 2025 TODAY MESSAGE
In Luke 1:26-38, an angel visited Mary and told her she was going to be pregnant and that she would give birth to a special son who was going to be great. Mary said, “That’s wonderful, but are you forgetting that I am not married yet? l have never known a man; how will a virgin conceive?” The angel said, “The Holy Ghost will handle that because, with God, nothing shall be impossible.” Imagine what could have happened if she tried to help the Lord by sleeping with a man, just like Sarah did when she encouraged Abraham to sleep with Hagar so He could have a child (Genesis 16:1-3).
Years ago, my wife and I were praying for a certain woman who was waiting for the fruit of the womb. After a while, she lost hope and consulted a witch doctor who made some charms for her, and she got pregnant. That was over twenty years ago; up until now, she has not delivered the baby. When you try to help God, you will play into the devil’s hands.
King Saul was another person who tried to help God. Shortly after he became king, the Philistines gathered together to fight Israel.
It was a difficult situation, and the people began to mount pressure on Saul to act.
Instead of waiting for Samuel to present the burnt offering, Saul decided to help God, so he overstepped his bounds into the priestly office and offered the sacrifice. When Samuel asked him why he tried to help God, he came up with excuses that he thought were valid. Those who try to help God always have excuses and reasons to do so, but this doesn’t stop them from bearing the consequences of their disobedience. Saul lost the throne because of this foolish act.
Beloved, do not try to help God; just do your part according to His word and leave the rest to Him. If you try to help Him, you will open yourself up to the devil’s manipulations and make grave mistakes. I have noticed from my walk with God that whenever He asks that you wait for Him, it is because there is something glorious on the way. Don’t get deceived by the flashy things the enemy tries to dangle in front of you to distract you or push you to ‘help God’. By trying to help Him, you might end up destroying the very things that you want Him to help you build.
KEY POINT:
Don’t try to help God. When you do, you might destroy the things that you want Him to help you build.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
1 Kings 21-22
HYMN 30: WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD
OPEN HEAVEN DEVOTIONAL 17 APRIL 2025 COMMENTARY
The Open Heaven devotional for today emphasizes a crucial spiritual principle: absolute trust in God’s timing and methods, even when His ways seem incomprehensible to human reasoning. The examples of Mary, Sarah, King Saul, and the barren woman illustrate the dangers of attempting to “help God” through human effort, impatience, or disobedience.
1. Mary vs. Sarah: Two Responses to Divine Promises
- Mary (Luke 1:26-38) received an impossible promise—a virgin conceiving the Messiah. Despite her confusion, she surrendered in faith: “Be it unto me according to thy word” (v. 38). She trusted God to fulfill His promise His way.
- Sarah (Genesis 16:1-3), on the other hand, grew impatient with God’s delay and orchestrated a human solution (Hagar). The result was Ishmael—a source of strife that still impacts the world today.
Lesson: When God gives a promise, wait for His timing. Human intervention often leads to complications.
2. The Barren Woman and the Witch Doctor: A Cautionary Tale
Today’s devotional recounts a woman who, after waiting long for a child, turned to witchcraft. Though she appeared to “succeed” (she got pregnant), her victory was an illusion—she never delivered the baby. This mirrors the devil’s deception: he offers shortcuts that ultimately destroy (John 10:10).
Lesson: Desperation can lead to ungodly compromises. God’s delays are not denials (Habakkuk 2:3). The enemy’s counterfeit solutions bring bondage, not breakthrough.
3. King Saul’s Fatal Mistake (1 Samuel 13:1-14)
Saul was commanded to wait for Samuel to offer the sacrifice before battle. But under pressure, he disobeyed and offered it himself. His excuses (v. 11-12) sounded reasonable, but disobedience is never justified. Samuel’s rebuke was severe:
“Thou hast done foolishly… thy kingdom shall not continue.” (v. 13-14)
Lesson:
- Obedience > Convenience. God’s instructions are non-negotiable.
- Pressure reveals character. Saul feared people more than God (Proverbs 29:25).
- Excuses don’t erase consequences. Many today justify sin with “good reasons,” but disobedience still carries a price.
Practical Application: How to Avoid “Helping God”
- Trust His Process – If God said it, He will do it (Numbers 23:19).
- Reject Shortcuts – The devil’s “flashy offers” (power, quick money, sinful relationships) are traps.
- Wait in Prayer, Not in Panic – Like David, say, “My soul, wait thou only upon God” (Psalm 62:5).
- Remember: God’s Delays Have Purpose – He is preparing something greater (Isaiah 64:4).
Final Encouragement
God doesn’t need our help—He demands our faith and obedience. Whether it’s a promise, a trial, or a calling, let God be God. As the devotional warns, trying to “help Him” can sabotage His plans for your life. Instead, “Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord” (Exodus 14:13).
Prayer:
“Lord, teach me to wait on You. Forgive me for every time I’ve tried to ‘help’ You with my own strength. I surrender my plans, fears, and impatience to You. Let Your will be done in Your time. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Key Takeaway:
God’s ways are perfect. Don’t assist Him—obey Him.
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