How can we trust God's plan when outcomes seem contrary to His will? Judges 14:4—God’s Surprising Strategy “Now his father and mother did not know that this was from the LORD, who was seeking an occasion against the Philistines, for at that time the Philistines were ruling over Israel.” • Samson’s choice of a Philistine wife looked flat-out wrong to his parents. • Scripture lifts the curtain: the LORD Himself was silently steering the very decision that seemed out of bounds. • The scene reminds us that God’s plan can run underneath events that appear opposed to His own standards, yet never compromises His holiness. When Outcomes Seem Contrary, Remember These Truths • God is sovereign over every detail (Proverbs 19:21). • He weaves even sinful choices into His righteous purposes without endorsing the sin (Genesis 50:20). • His wisdom towers above ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). • He remains faithful to work “all things together for good” for His people (Romans 8:28). How to Trust the Plan You Can’t Yet See 1. Rehearse His track record – Israel’s Red Sea rescue (Exodus 14) looked impossible. – Joseph’s prison led to Egypt’s salvation (Genesis 37-50). 2. Rest in His character – “All the paths of the LORD are loving devotion and faithfulness” (Psalm 25:10). – If His heart is good, His hidden agenda is good. 3. Stay obedient in the small things – Samson’s parents objected but still accompanied him (Judges 14:5). Faithfulness while confused keeps us in position to witness the outcome. 4. Wait with hope, not passivity – Habakkuk complained, then watched to see what God would do (Habakkuk 2:1-4). – Expectation honors God’s timeline. Practical Steps for Today • Write down the situation that feels “Philistine” to you—totally inconsistent with what you believe God wants. • List past times He flipped a negative into a blessing; thank Him aloud. • Pray Scripture back to Him—use Romans 8:28 or Psalm 138:8. • Speak truth to trusted believers; let community steady your perspective (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Keep doing the last clear command you received; God steers moving servants more easily than stationary ones. Takeaway to Carry Forward If God could turn an apparently misguided marriage proposal into the first strike against Israel’s oppressors, He can certainly mold your baffling circumstances into instruments of His glory and your good. Trust the Author who writes straight with crooked lines. |
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