One of my favorite stories in the Bible is I Kings, chapters 4 through 6 when the Israelites lose the Art of the Covenant to the Philistines. The Ark was the Israelites most treasured possession. It is what led them into the Promised Land. It is where their priests pray and their people worship. To the Israelites, the Ark of the Covenant was their connection to God. Without it they felt God had abandoned them. Nevermind they had disobeyed God and taken the Ark into battle where it was captured; they now pleaded for its return.
While they were mourning in despair, God continued to work. Where ever the Ark was taken, disease and death followed. The Philistines eventually became afraid to have it in their land and sent it back to the Israelites.
I love the fact that the Israelites did nothing to recover their beloved Ark but God returned it because of His love for them.
When you feel you have lost everything, read I Kings, chapters 4 through 6 and see how God doesn’t need your help to bring about miracles.
Have you ever felt like giving up on your faith? How did you restore it?
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Recently I’ve struggled with adversity in my marriage and business. Persevering is hard work, especially when everything seems to go south. I looked up a pastor and asked for prayer. I needed a safe place to talk. Then I went home and spend time reading my Bible and journaled for several days. I personalized the Scripture and put my name in there. When I got tanked up in the Spirit, my faith was fortified. Did circumstances change? Nope. But I feel connected to God and that’s what matters most.
Thank you Lynn for that encouragement. The connection is the important thing, not the circumstances. Thanks again.
Yes, the Philistines couldn’t handle the Ark. Then it went to an Israeli man’s house, where it lodged for many years, and he was blessed greatly, until finally King David decided to bring it to Jerusalem. The presence of God is anathema to the wicked, but a blessing to His own righteous ones. I love that story. Thanks, Nancey for reminding me. I’ll have to go read it again!
I so like your site Nancy. Please includ me in your address book. I’ve been blessed. Thank you. Lv, d.