And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD’S anointed is before him. — 1 Samuel 16:6
Several weeks ago, my son came up to me while I was sitting and working. He started telling an elaborate story about something that was going on at the moment. He was excited as he told me the story, but I had the feeling there was a catch. Sure enough, as he got near the end of the story, he made his request.
In his mind, the request seemed small and in relation to what he could have asked for, it truly was. But at that moment, it was not the best thing. So I did what parents often do and told him no. He was upset and disappointed with my answer as he walked out of the room that day.
Fast forward a couple of days and the situation was different. He came back and asked another question. This time, the question made sense. It was something that he should be allowed to do and I gave him the answer he was looking for as I said yes. I was simply looking out for what was best for him each time.
As Samuel searched for who to anoint as king, he thought it was Eliab. But we read in the story that God said no. It wasn’t that Eliab was a horrible person. He was strong and capable. But God had a plan, and sometimes no is the answer.
Just because God tells us no to our plans doesn’t mean that He isn’t going to use us or have something in store for us. He knows what lies ahead and knows exactly what we need. When the answer is no, God has something much greater planned for us. While we may be disappointed right now, we must trust in the one who is in control.
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