The Grace Street Blog

“…’He is the Lord; let Him do what is good in His eyes.’” – 1 Samuel 3:18

Sometimes the things we pray for come in ways we never expected.

Though they come, difficulties slip through the door and surround what we originally thought would be a blessing.

Yet who is to say a blessing cannot come within a storm?

1 Samuel contains the accounts that happen after so many years of Israel going back and forth between worshipping God and rejecting Him in the book of Judges.

At the beginning of Samuel’s life, Hannah, his mother, dedicated him to the Lord. He grew up under the mentorship of a God-fearing man named Eli. Eli was someone who knew the Lord and strived to live for Him. But he had one problem…his passive heart towards his wayward sons.

Eli’s son’s continued to disobey God, and pursue their wicked desires to the point where God decided it would be time to bring judgement.

But instead of speaking directly to Eli, the Lord called out to Samuel in chapter 3.

Samuel, hearing the judgement to come from God because of Eli’s son’s, was terrified to bring the news to his mentor he surely must’ve cared about.

But Eli, insisting Samuel held nothing back, received the word from God so very humbly.

“He is the Lord; let Him do what is good in His eyes.”

Eli knew that God’s ways were better. He knew the character of God enough to trust that His judgement was not only just, but also good.

What a terrifying position to stand in, knowing difficulties will arise, but putting hope in the One who calls Himself our Savior.

It’s not about understanding. Nor clarifying doubts. In fact, it is not even about believing you will see the fruit of what you are about to endure. Submitting to God, putting your “yes” on the table, is about trusting that Jesus is who He says He is and the Spirit will never leave your heart as you take each trembling step of faith into the unknown.

For the last few weeks I have struggled with so much confusion on what exactly God is trying to direct my attention towards regarding work, serving at church, and my moments of solitude with Him.

I noticed my emotions have been so heavy thinking of who God is, the pain of humanity around me, and the overwhelming Grace God has shown me to let me be a part of His beautiful plan.

Seeking understanding of these feelings lead me to realize my overwhelmed heart is partly from the goodness of God and partly from a feeling that leaves me scared and excited about the unexpected things I know the Lord will bring.

But that’s not how it has been for all of the recent weeks. Only a few days ago did I realize how much of a blessing it is to stand before the unknown, but not uncertain. I may not know what the next steps of my life look like but I am surely certain that the loving, willing God I see all throughout scripture will never abandon me. I am certain Jesus is enough to carry my heart and soul through storms nothing else can overpower.

My dear friend, blessings can be so easily overshadowed by the troubles surrounding them. But though the judgement of Eli’s family, we see Samuel rise to be the prophet of the nation after a time where the word of the Lord was so rare (v.2). From then on, history records the rise of kings leading Israel that continued to show the glory and goodness of God despite each man’s flaws and mistakes. Eli’s surrender to the will of God played a vital role in the way Samuel and everyone after Him was able to step into what God had planned.

May the words, “Here I am” not fill us with fear, for that is the spirit God gave us. But instead, would we be overwhelmed with a hunger to serve the Lord even if it leads us through great trials. For that is just what Jesus claimed we would endure once choosing Him over the world.

Even if it means forgiving enemies, surrendering dreams, or giving up things or people we depend so much on. Believer, sit and see how worthy God is of every single breath we breathe.

Thoughts to Consider:

Do you trust God’s character enough to believe His ways are good, even when they feel heavy or unclear?

How do you typically respond when God’s plan doesn’t match your expectations?

In what areas are you waiting for clarity, when God may be inviting you into trust?

Consider the quiet strength it takes to trust God without answers and how your heart might change if surrender came before understanding…and faith remained even when the path ahead is unknown.

“…’He is the Lord; let Him do what is good in His eyes.’” – 1 Samuel 3:18