A Verse
1 Samuel 2:4-5
The bows of the mighty are broken,
but the feeble bind on strength.
Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread,
but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger.
The barren has borne seven,
but she who has many children is forlorn.
A Comment
In these verses, we see that what was impossible with man was made reality with God. I love how one OT scholar describes what is going on in 1 Samuel 2:4-5. He writes, “One of the Lord’s immeasurable deeds is the reversal of life situations. He is the one who acts according to his sovereign will, often beyond human understanding and common sense.”
O’ how we need to have this perspective about the situations that we face in life! The circumstances of shame and hardship that we find ourselves in are never beyond God’s sovereign control or plan for our lives. And, if we pay attention to God’s Word, we will see this over and over again. We see it in the lives of others in Scripture.
We see it in Joseph’s life, who was sold into slavery by his brothers but, through God’s power, ascends to the height of power in Egypt. We see it in the life of David, who all but overlooked but eventually became the king of Israel. We see it in the life of Esther, who was a humble Jewish woman who became queen over a nation and preserved the life of her people. At each point, the mighty fall but the weak rise. Why? Because God was at work!
What circumstances are you facing this morning that seem completely out of your hands? Do not judge the Lord’s kindness or ability by what you are able to perceive! Instead, look to the One who brings down the mighty but exalts the lowly! Look to the God who casts down the mighty but raises up the weak and be comforted and strengthened this morning. Put your hope in this great God!
A Prayer
Would you join me in prayer?
A Blessing
May the Lord give strength to His people and bless you with His peace.
The Mighty Fall, the Weak Rise: Considering God's Sovereign Reversals in 1 Samuel 2:4-5