Why this defeat?

“Why has the Lord permitted us to be defeated today by the Philistines?”  (I Samuel 4:3)

The leaders of Israel asked themselves the above searching question after they suffered a crushing defeat in the hands of the Philistines in 1 Samuel 4: 1-11.   Four thousand people were killed after a single fierce military campaign.  They asked the right question but did not get the correct answer before they rushed into action.  This time, the defeat became a total disaster.  Thirty thousand perished in the ensuing battle. 

Life is full of surprises.  There are unexpected delays, disappointments and obstacles.  Like the Israelites in 1 Samuel 4: 1-11, we find ourselves asking “Why has the Lord permitted this to happen?”  Correct thought is the key to correct action.  If we receive correct answer to the question of WHY and act on it, all will be well. 

“Why do you hide your face, forgetting our woe and our oppression?”  (Psalm 44: 24) 

The God of Israel does not slumber nor does He forget. Even if it is possible for a mother to forget her new born helpless child, it is impossible for God to forget His own.  “I will never fail you; I will never forsake you.”  (Hebrews 13:5)

“Fear is useless; what is needed is trust.”  (Luke 8:50, Mark 5:36)  To be happy with Jesus, all that we need is to trust and obey.