Good morning!
Text: 1 Kings 20-22; Psalm 83
In 1 Kings 20 we read about aggression by Ben-hadad the king of Syria (or Aram) against Israel. Ben-hadad, speaking through a messenger attempts to intimidate Ahab, the king of Israel, with blustery words and claims of certain victory. Ahab’s reply is noteworthy:
And the king of Israel answered, “Tell him, ‘Let not him who straps on his armor boast himself as he who takes it off.’” (1 Kings 20:11).
These are wise words, but spoken by a pretty evil guy. The truth is that our future success is always uncertain. Moreover, it does not depend upon the size of our army, the prestige of our university or the rigor of our personal preparation. The future is not known by us. And the outcomes are always just as the Lord ordains. Consider David and Goliath, the conquest of Jericho, and our own personal salvation. When the Lord chooses victory, it most certainly comes. But, if His plan is for our ventures to fail they will fail.
So- feeling pretty cocky today? Be careful. Or… feeling pessimistic? Be confident in the Lord.
in Him, Mike