I think not!

The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.  One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place.  The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called Samuel.   1 Samuel 3:1-4a NIV

Prior to Samuel hearing and responding to the call of God in his life, Samuel served the Lord under Eli’s direction.   God used Eli to teach Samuel about the dedicated life of ministering unto the Lord.  Samuel served in God’s house and learned all that was required to fulfill his future role and this was taught by Eli. The one who allowed his sons to run amuck in the house of the Lord.  Eli. The one who heeded God’s warnings about his sons corrupt ways. 

God still used Eli, with his flaws intact, to establish a prophet of the Lord.  Samuel.

Honestly, if this was not in the word I would have definitely thought there would be NO WAY Samuel could be groomed to be a prophet sitting under this guy.   This guy named Eli.  The one whose sons were doing ‘this and that’.   I think not!

I remember my early journey years.  Many, many years ago.  Legalistic Liz searched for the perfect leader.   The one perfect church.   The one perfect Pastor.   Perfect defined as strictly adhering to a set of rules and regulations defined by my interpretation of the Bible.  

Yes, I was a hot mess, and thank God I did not live in Eli’s time.  He would’ve definitely been given a piece of my mind wrapped ever so neatly in “Love, God” patterned paper with a cross shaped purple bow.

Oh, I am grateful for a God who loves me even when I am so full of myself.    I am so grateful for a God who does not give up on me and continues to pursue me, opening my eyes, and enlightening me in my flaws, so that I can still be used by HIM.  I am grateful for a God who does not use my standards as the benchmark for me.  

Today,  I am so grateful for a God who sees us and loves us no matter where we are in life.  I hope you are, too.

Be Strengthened and Encouraged in HIM,
Liz

​And therefore the LORD (earnestly) waits (expecting, looking, longing) to be gracious to you.  And therefore HE lifts HIMSELF up so that HE may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you…. Isaiah 30:18a AMPC