“And when the people had come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, ‘Why has the LORD defeated us today before the Philistines?’” – I Samuel 4:3
REFERENCE:
Life often throws surprises that go contrary to our expected outcomes at us. Sometimes, we dot all our I’s, cross our T’s, and get all our ducks in a row, but things still turn out bad. Human nature may tell you to work and try harder, put in more effort, and do or pray more. Meanwhile, it may be because of none of these; God may want your attention, so check with God.
The children of Israel just lost a battle to the Philistines. How could that be? They were the beloved of the Lord, had the oracles of God and the Tabernacle of Moses with them, and enjoyed the shining light of Prophet Samuel’s ministry. But they lost. Why would a nation for whom God once worked mighty miracles lose a battle? Was it their military size or strategy?
Israel could have interpreted their defeat thus: “We got our strategy wrong. We launched our attack too soon. Our men are no longer discipline. The Philistines are better equipped.” The list is endless. Instead, they saw everything differently; they knew that their military success or defeat was in the hands of God and never in their enemy’s. They understood that everything in the physical is controlled by what happens in the spiritual realm, where God reigns.
Israel had to check with God and realized they were under God’s displeasure. Their relationship with God usually determined their war outcomes. Their defeat by the Philistines, in today’s text, was a result of the recklessness of the sons of Eli, the corruption of the priesthood, and the dimming of the light of God in the house of God. Sin makes men cowards and turns saints into flight before satan. When we lose God’s covering, we open ourselves up to attacks.
There is a connection between your victory in life and your relationship with God. No enemy (demonic powers, sickness, poverty, afflictions, or marital problems) can overcome you if God is for you. If you have been recording a series of setbacks, lack, and failure, check with God. If you are under a heavy burden or dealing with an unabating affliction, check with God; He may tell you to ‘come away’ and spend more time with Him. He may ask you to repent, forgive, or fix your attitude.
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
Joshua 7:4-11, II Samuel 22:30, and Romans 8:31
PRAYER:
+ I repent of every sin in my life and anything that may displease You, giving the enemy an undue advantage.
+ I command the weapons fashioned against me by the enemy to be destroyed and declare I am a winner in the battles of life because God takes sides with me.
