Defeat

Defeat

“If your people Israel are defeated by the enemy because they have sinned against you, but then return to acknowledge your name, and pray and seek your favor in this temple, then listen from heaven; forgive the sin of your people Israel, and bring them back to the country which you gave to them and their ancestors.” (2 Chronicles 6: 24 – 25)

What brings about defeat in life? Does the following bring about defeat in life?

· Health problems?

· Money problems?

· Job?

· No tools?

· No food?

· No friends?

· No rest?

Defeat in life is only brought about by sin, that is, disobedience to God. In every other circumstance in our life, we can say with St. Paul:

“I have learned the secret ….. There is nothing I cannot master with the help of Christ who gives me strength.” Jesus Christ gives us the know-how to turn cross into crown.

Sin causes the defeat in our life not so much because of the punishment attached to sin but because sin causes us to lose our status as sons and daughters of God and the confidence that goes with that relationship. We feel bewildered, terrified and helpless.