Presuming Upon God's Favor

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)

The Israelites just lost 4,000 soldiers in battle against the Philistines and they knew they needed something to turn the battle. So, they bring the Ark of the Covenant into camp thinking that it would save them. They were so wrong. They were choosing to trust on an object instead of the looking for guidance and trusting in God himself. Bringing the Ark into the camp had an opposite effect. The Philistines were terrified when they found out the Ark was in the Israelite camp, so they knew that they would have to fight harder, and that is what they did. There was a great slaughter where 30,000 Israelites were killed, and the rest ran away. The Israelites presumed that God was favoring them, but He wasn't. They were putting their trust on an object instead of going directly to the Lord.

Christians tend to trust on symbols today. You can trust on your job... It can go away. You can trust on the stock market... It can fall. You can even trust on yourself... You can make bad choices and lose it. Bad things can and will happen. It's not on what, but who you trust in. When you trust in God, even though things may not be going well, He will be faithful and get you through your troubles. 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." Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” God does not want us to trust in objects, but in Him. When we do so, we don't need to presume God's favor... We know so.

Do an inventory today and see what you are trusting in over God. Choose to put Him first over all other things and when you go through a trial, go to Him first. Remember to start the day with Him in prayer and bible reading so that you are armed for whatever adversities you may encounter. You don't have to presume God's favor, because He wants you to trust in Him, and He will never let you down.