When Samson, a morally compromised man, married outside his Israelite heritage, he would be manipulated by his conniving Philistine wife to gather intelligence to use against Israel.  His parents were confused by their son’s behavior and his lack of a moral compass. While this was happening we read “His father and mother didn’t realize the Lord was at work in this” (Judges 14:14).

When someone we love turns away from God it can be very confusing and disheartening to watch. Those turns do not prevent God from fulfilling His greater purpose in their lives, a purpose greater than our most honorable desires and preferred outcomes.  

At some point down the road of that kind of sorrow, we will come to realize God was always at work even when all we could see, and feel was the pain and resulting consequence of a person’s unhealthy spiritual choices. This will be especially meaningful when we realize we were tempted to give up and lose hope.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).