Have you ever felt ill-equipped for life’s battles?
Perceive: In this text we see the Jewish army lacking numbers of men and weapons of warfare. The Philistines had so much control that they disarmed the weak group of Hebrews and limited their ability to produce agriculture. It is impossible to imagine a more hopeless state of affairs: all the tools of warfare on one side; the Philistines have all foresight, all shrewdness, and all determination. The enemy appears triumphant; the Israelites seem filled with despair. Against such superiority, the Israelites were at a severe disadvantage.
Practice: The battle history of the Jews with their pagan neighbors and their foes is typical of the existing relations of the Christian and the world. It should not surprise us if Christians sharpen their plowshares at Satan’s workshops. It should not surprise us if the guidelines of commerce, if the rules of judiciousness, if the conformities of society, are dictated by a narrow, exclusive spirit of an anti-Christ. Satan seeks to disarm us with every means possible. Our battle with him is daily. Christ withstood and defeated every temptation that can befall the hearts of men. How could the Israelites hope to rout their oppressors? Only with God's help. He wanted to give Israel victory without earthly weapons so they would see real strength, His power. In the same way, He desires to give us victory in daily living by His power, by His weapons, and by His strength.
Pray: Thank you, Lord, for providing Your ability, strength, and weaponry. Enable me to see You in every battle of every war that I face in my daily struggles.
This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com
Practice: The battle history of the Jews with their pagan neighbors and their foes is typical of the existing relations of the Christian and the world. It should not surprise us if Christians sharpen their plowshares at Satan’s workshops. It should not surprise us if the guidelines of commerce, if the rules of judiciousness, if the conformities of society, are dictated by a narrow, exclusive spirit of an anti-Christ. Satan seeks to disarm us with every means possible. Our battle with him is daily. Christ withstood and defeated every temptation that can befall the hearts of men. How could the Israelites hope to rout their oppressors? Only with God's help. He wanted to give Israel victory without earthly weapons so they would see real strength, His power. In the same way, He desires to give us victory in daily living by His power, by His weapons, and by His strength.
Pray: Thank you, Lord, for providing Your ability, strength, and weaponry. Enable me to see You in every battle of every war that I face in my daily struggles.
This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com
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