He Works in Mysterious Ways (#168 of 365+)

“His father and mother replied, ‘Isn't there an acceptable woman among your relatives or among all our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?’ But Samson said to his
father, “Get her for me. She's the right one for me.” His parents did not know that this was from the LORD, who was seeking an occasion to confront the Philistines; for at that time they were ruling over Israel” (Judges 14:3-4)

Today’s devotional once again deals with the issue of God’s sovereignty over everything. Nothing escapes his notice; nothing happens without his permission. Although he hates sin, he allows it. This is most difficult to understand when I’m a victim of someone else’s sin. But, when the future looks bleak from a human perspective, God is overseeing a series of events that will bring about a glorious outcome.

Samson had a weakness. She was a pretty pagan girl named Delilah. His parents must have been mortified by his decision to marry someone who didn’t believe in God. But, as always, the Lord was watching over everything. Although God never causes anyone to sin, in Joni’s words “he steers the sin already in their hearts so [they] unwittingly fulfill his plans and not merely their own”. Samson’s sin led him down a dark path with an ending that surprised everyone except God. (The Israelites gained a huge victory over the Philistines.)

Lord, thank you again for watching over my life and working things out for the good. May I always look to you rather than at my circumstances. Amen.