Leave It With God
It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good. —1 Samuel 3:18
When young Samuel informed Eli that God was going to put an end to his family, how did Eli receive the bad news? He said, “It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.”
When Abishai and Joab were surrounded by enemies, Joab looked at the situation and said, “Let us play the men for our people and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good.” (2 Sam. 10:12).
These expressions reveal a willingness to leave the outcome of their situations with God, who will do what is best. Instead of dictating to God how He needs to resolve our problems, how much better to leave our difficult situations in God’s hands. After all, isn’t God “able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20). When we know God as we should, we will pray, “I leave it to Thee, Lord. Do what seemeth to Thee good.”
For example. Suppose you have a friend in some trouble. You have a plan that will help him. However, in the meantime, he comes to you to borrow some money that will only give temporary relief. His need is not for money. His request for money limits your ability to help. His low thoughts cannot rise to what you are able to do for him.
Why doesn’t your friend “ask or think” more “worthy” of your ability? Because he does not know you well enough! He measures your willingness and ability to help by his own weak power to ask. Thus it is when we don’t know God’s exceeding abundant power to give beyond anything we ask or think our prayers are weak and anemic.
I recently read the following prayer of a man who really knew God, and was aware of his own weaknesses: “Lord, what wilt Thou? Do not heed my requests if Thou seest they are not good. Do not do, or give this, because I ask for it. Withhold it, if Thou, who seest the end from the beginning, seest it will not be for my good. I am so foolish and ignorant before Thee, and Thou art so wonderful, so wise, and so good. … Oh, that I may be filled with the knowledge of Thy will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding—that I may enjoy the perfect rest which that knowledge will give.”
HOW MANY OF OUR PRAYERS ARE LIKE THIS?
2 Replies to “Leave It With God”
I’ve been praying for the “same” things for years now…changing it around a bit, letting go then grabbing it back, content one day, frustrated the next. Finally, I’ve been praying the Lord would help me to pray for the right things since he keeps saying “no.” What a good message this is…what? the Lord isn’t irritated or stingy with me?? He wants to give me more than what I’m asking? I needed to hear this. I will meditate on this. Thank you.
Preacher,
Thank you for writing this I’m convicted to say the least after reading this. So many nights I pray for certain outcomes with things going on in my life. From now on I will be praying that all go’s as God sees fit because i do know he knows best and I’m so thankful for that!
Thank you Jesus for knowing what is best for me !
“I leave it to Thee, Lord. Do what seemeth to Thee good.”