But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for it was the will of the Lord to put them to death.

1 Samuel 2

But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for it was the will of the Lord to put them to death. 1 Samuel 2:25b

I continue to lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today looks at how God sometimes goes against His will, and in this case His will is "to seek and save the lost" (Luke 19:10). In today's devotion, John Piper uses the story of Eli's worthless sons from 1 Samuel 2 to illustrate his takeaway. He starts by describing from the story that "[t]he sons of Eli the priest would not obey their father when he rebuked them for their sin."  He then unpacks how there are three points we should see from the text.

1. It is possible to sin so long and so grievously that the Lord will not grant repentance. See also 2 Timothy 2:25, Hebrews 12:17, and Luke 23:43.
2. Sometimes God does not permit a sinning person to do what is right.
3. Sometimes our prayers for God’s revealed will to be done will not be done because God has decreed something different for holy and wise purposes.
   

Piper wraps the devotion by offering words of encouragement when we cry out to God for God to save someone, as I have my son Zach.  We are urged to see how God does love us and that we can trust in Him that He is working and while I may not see what He is doing - He is working and He DOES love us. Today's devotion goes hand in hand with yesterday's post and its focus on patience. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and mercy me - and I know You are always at work for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You work in my life.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.