Daniel Fast- Called to Fight Until VictoryIhe Atụ

Day 17: Strengthened by the Lord in Defeat

“You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light.”

2 Samuel 22:29

Chapter 7 unfolds the narrative of the Israelites' departure from fidelity to God's word, a deviation marked by apostasy and a betrayal of their professed faith in the divine message regarding the banned spoils. The misstep of an individual, drawn to forbidden treasures - gold and garments, specifically - kindled the wrath of the Lord over the entire nation.

This pivotal chapter in Israel's quest to claim the land bestowed upon them by God doesn't commence with a dialogue between Joshua and the Almighty. It appears divine anger restrains God from engaging with the leader of the people. Unfortunately, Joshua's spiritual discernment falters; he autonomously decides the fate of Ai without seeking the Lord's counsel. Although he dispatches scouts to assess the city's situation, upon receiving their report, he again forgoes consulting the Lord, instead opting to act based on the intelligence at hand. Regrettably, this decision resulted in a severe setback for the Israelite army, with thirty-six casualties, an unexpected outcome given Ai's relative insignificance compared to Jericho.

This defeat, in the early stages of Israel's journey into the promised land, is ill-timed and profoundly disheartening, causing the people's spirits to waver.

Sin severs the connection with a holy God, rendering the people and their leaders incapable of making sound decisions or standing resilient against their adversaries.

Defeat, invariably intertwined with pain, brings shame to any leader, causing grief and loss. Yet, even in the midst of defeat, when all seems lost, there exists a glimmer of hope akin to a light piercing the darkness. This hope is rooted in strengthening one's resolve through trust in the Lord.

David exemplified this when confronted by the Amalekites, ruthless and godless, who attacked the city of Ziklag, where David and his people resided with their families (1 Samuel 30:6-7).

Hope in the Lord begets the desire and strength to cry out to Him, not merely as individuals but collectively with loved ones and fellow spiritual leaders. Following the defeat, individuals often find themselves unsure of the Lord's direction. Hence, close fellowship with Him becomes imperative, mirroring the example of David and Joshua, who, in the face of defeat, sought strength to draw nearer to God – to know His direction and Word.

Every transgression against the Lord and His people invites the wrath of God into individual lives, families, teams, or cities, resulting in defeat. Possessions, finances, objects, and individuals consecrated to the Lord are off-limits. Laying a hand on these is not only a sin but also an offense to oneself and those in proximity.

The Holy Spirit's voice frequently guides individuals into new directions or prompts adjustments in the course of life. GPS in the spiritual life is the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This spiritual GPS is vital not only when navigating uncharted territories but also in the routine journey of life. Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's voice and a willingness to obey are essential for such a walk. His voice allows us to stop and make changes, adjust our route, or simply turn around. Repentance, a biblical term encapsulating a change in direction, becomes imperative when actions deviate from the Lord's will.

In times of chaos and darkness resulting from mistakes, allowing the Holy Spirit to restore order to hearts and minds becomes crucial. Much like the Spirit hovered over the waters, bringing forth divine order and beauty, God's abundance of love, mercy, and grace has the power to illuminate the darkness and restore everything to its rightful place.

"But David found strength in the Lord his God…David inquired of the Lord.” (1 Samuel 30:6c-8a)

Reflection Questions:

1. Evaluate the functionality of God's inner GPS in your heart. What adjustments or changes are needed?

2. Identify areas in your life where His light and order are required. List these and present them to the Lord in prayer, allowing silence for His guidance.

Prayer:

1. Pray for the healing of broken individuals and families in your city, specifically those battling addiction, drug dependency, and homelessness.
2. Seek God's revelation and petition for the removal of any mental, physical, or spiritual barriers hindering your faith from witnessing God's magnificent works in your life.
3. For South America Big Region – may they see multiplication of teams and disciples in the world of sport, play, and fitness.