Today’s devotional reading: 1 Samuel 4:1-11

The children of Israel often tried to use God as a good luck charm that would help them win against their enemies. This mindset likely came about from the wilderness years when Israel’s forefathers often faced opposition. For example, there was a battle that Israel won against the Amalekites so long as Moses kept his arms raised in the air (Ex. 17:8-13). Israel grew used to traveling with the tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant and having victory.

Yet, the victories didn’t come because the tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant were with them. During the conquest years, God promised Joshua victory so long as he marched by faith. The victory will always come to those who are of true faith because God rewards faith.

God does not reward superstition. When the Philistines moved against Israel with great force, Israel ran to get the Ark of the Covenant. Though Israel carried the Ark of the Covenant into battle against the Philistines, they lost. Israel lost the battle because their ‘faith’ was in the box (the Ark of the Covenant) rather than in the Lord. God is not a lucky charm that you can forget about when things are going well, and then go and grab when tribulation comes.

I urge all of us today to stop treating God like a pair of lucky socks that we will only wear when we want to win. We should walk with God, leaning and depending on Him, at all times.