In what ways can we trust God's plan when facing personal challenges? The Scene in Shiloh “So Samuel told him everything and did not hide anything from him. ‘He is the LORD,’ Eli replied. ‘Let Him do what is good in His sight.’” (1 Samuel 3:18) What Eli Models for Us • Recognition of God’s absolute authority: “He is the LORD.” • Submission without protest: “Let Him do what is good in His sight.” • Confidence that whatever God chooses is inherently good, even when it hurts. Practical Steps for Trusting God Amid Personal Challenges • Acknowledge His sovereignty daily. Say aloud, “He is the LORD,” to remind your heart Who is in charge. • Surrender outcomes. Like Eli, release your grip on how you think things should unfold. • Train your mind with Scripture, not feelings. Memorize verses that anchor faith (see list below). • Obey the next clear command. Samuel delivered a hard word; Eli listened. When unsure, do the last thing God told you to do. • Recount past faithfulness. Keep a journal of answered prayers and providential turns; reread it when storms rise. • Choose worship over worry. Turn challenging moments into times of praise, echoing Job 1:21. Scripture Echoes of Trust • Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart…” • Romans 8:28 – “God works all things together for the good of those who love Him…” • Job 1:21 – “The LORD has given, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” • Jeremiah 29:11 – “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.” • Psalm 34:19 – “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all.” • Isaiah 55:8-9 – “My thoughts are not your thoughts… My ways are higher than your ways.” • Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it…” Why Trust Is Never Misplaced • God’s character is unchanging; His goodness does not fluctuate with our circumstances. • His wisdom is perfect; He sees the end from the beginning (Romans 11:33). • His promises are guaranteed; what He speaks, He accomplishes (Numbers 23:19). • His purposes are redemptive; trials refine faith, grow perseverance, and display His glory (1 Peter 1:6-7). Encouragement for Today Eli’s simple confession—“He is the LORD”—offers a lifelong motto. Every personal challenge becomes an invitation to echo those words, rest in God’s flawless plan, and watch Him weave hardship into hope-filled testimony. |
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