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- Oct 26, 2007
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And when the people had come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, "Why has the LORD defeated us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD from Shiloh to us, that when it comes among us it may save us from the hand of our enemies." 1 Samuel 4:3 NKJV
After losing a battle (and about four thousand soldiers) to the rival Philistines, the leaders of Israel were in a state of shock and wondered why God had brought defeat on their army. Why hadn’t He brought them success on the battlefield like He had so many times? But while they asked a valid question, they failed to stop and ask God why they had been defeated and what they needed to do next. They neglected to issue a call for repentance so that God would show them favor.
Instead of doing any of those things, the leaders hatched a plan to carry the ark of the covenant into a second battle, presuming that its power would carry them to victory. The plan failed. Miserably.
We Christian men should be careful not to make the same mistake Israel’s leadership made in 1 Samuel 3. That means seeking the Lord first for what we should do when we’re faced with trials and difficulties.
Prayer: Loving heavenly Father, when things aren’t going well for me, when life seems like a constant struggle, remind me to turn to You first for answers and for direction.
After losing a battle (and about four thousand soldiers) to the rival Philistines, the leaders of Israel were in a state of shock and wondered why God had brought defeat on their army. Why hadn’t He brought them success on the battlefield like He had so many times? But while they asked a valid question, they failed to stop and ask God why they had been defeated and what they needed to do next. They neglected to issue a call for repentance so that God would show them favor.
Instead of doing any of those things, the leaders hatched a plan to carry the ark of the covenant into a second battle, presuming that its power would carry them to victory. The plan failed. Miserably.
We Christian men should be careful not to make the same mistake Israel’s leadership made in 1 Samuel 3. That means seeking the Lord first for what we should do when we’re faced with trials and difficulties.
Prayer: Loving heavenly Father, when things aren’t going well for me, when life seems like a constant struggle, remind me to turn to You first for answers and for direction.
