I Samuel 3:18
‘So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, “It is the LORD; let Him do what seems good to Him.”‘
Eli has just been given some very difficult news about himself and his sons. In spite of this, he receives it well. It appears he is demonstrating trust in God.
David demonstrated similar trust in a time of his failing. God gave him three choices in response to a sin. ‘Then David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Let us now fall into the hand of the LORD for His mercies are great, but do not let me fall into the hand of man”‘ (2 Samuel 24:15).
Both of these men are demonstrating trust in God and a knowledge of His character. David says, “His mercies are great”. This is a wonderful trait of God and something that’s quite a contrast to the gods of nature and the gods of other religions. Most are harsh and demanding. Many of their worshippers are denying themselves any pleasure or performing murderous acts thinking that they are pleasing their god. The god of the bible is merciful.
David and Eli rest in God’s decisions. They aren’t planning or seeking to avert any of those actions. They were awaiting consequences of wrong doing. We often have innocent results that aren’t consequences. I’m reminded of Paul seeking to have an affliction removed from him. ‘And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me’, (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Some think Paul had poor eyesight. Once he knew God was wanted this condition to remain, Paul accepted it. More than that, he embraced it. He said, “I would rather boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me”.
How do we know if a difficulty is from the Lord? We probably won’t know for sure. However, one way is if it doesn’t go away. The Lord promises healing and deliverance. If we are His child and we are seeking His assistance and it remains, then the answer is no or not yet.
What do we do while we’re waiting? We can continue to seek resolution, but He wants us to be content, trusting and joyful in the present. That is to be our attitude regardless of our circumstances. As Eli said, “It is the LORD; let Him do what seems good to Him.”
Lord, thank You for being with us in life circumstances. Help us to rest and trust regardless.