1 Samuel 14:19

Withdraw thine hand. Saul’s impetuosity was developing rapidly. The apparent confusion in the enemy’s camp threw him into such excitement that he could not even wait for counsel from the Lord. For days he and his fellows had stood by and heard reports of raids by the enemy upon nearby towns, and though he did not know the reason for the flight of forces across the wadi, he abruptly gave the order to attack. Had he taken time to seek divine guidance, he would probably have avoided many of the problems that confronted the army of Israel during the next few hours, and his victory over the enemy would have been far more complete. Clearly, this was a case of haste making waste.

Jesus’ times of meditation and of prayer brought Him the calm judgment necessary to endure with patience the ordeal awaiting Him; Jacob’s night of wrestling with the angel at Jabbok strengthened him not only to face Esau but to face the years of perplexing problems that followed.