Session 40

Ask this when fighting a losing battle

From 1 Samuel: A 6-Week Devotional

Few things are more demoralizing than fighting a losing battle. It’s emotionally exhausting, and for Christians it’s confusing. Romans 8:37 assures us "...we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Yet, there are enemies we can't seem to conquer, so we ask ourselves if God is for us. But there is another question that’s more likely to turn a defeat into a victory.

The Israelites had a reputation as conquerors. Their past victories created fear in their enemies. Unfortunately, it led to the Israelites being apathetic in their relationship with God. In the past, they always asked the Lord for a battle plan, and He always gave them a specific strategy for victory. Now, they didn't acknowledge Him at all. They just assumed they could do what they used to do and victory would follow. But, past conquests don't produce present conquerors.

God wants to give us a strategy to win every battle.

We often find ourselves in the same painful situation. We have a history with the Lord as our helper in times of trouble, and we begin to take Him for granted. We approach struggles with the false confidence that we don't need to consult Him. And, before we know it we're exhausting ourselves throwing punches at the air and asking where God is.

To be conquerors, we need to ask: "Lord, what do I need to do to win this battle?" Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." God wants to give us a strategy to win every battle. And, our acknowledgement that we need His guidance in all we do keeps our relationship with Him fresh and effective.

Reflect:

• What battle are you losing right now? Is it relational? An addiction? An illness? Pray now and ask Jesus to give you a strategy for victory.
• Are you exhausted and overwhelmed because of a battle you are waging? Someone from our Care Team would love to pray with you. Stop in the Care Room at your campus on Sunday, or connect with someone here.