English Español

What Will You Lose if You Give In

Monday, March 25

1 Kings 20:1-5 (‬NKJV)
“Now Ben-Hadad the king of Syria gathered all his forces together; thirty-two kings were with him, with horses and chariots. And he went up and besieged Samaria, and made war against it. Then he sent messengers into the city to Ahab king of Israel, and said to him, “Thus says Ben-Hadad: ‘Your silver and your gold are mine; your loveliest wives and children are mine.’ ”And the king of Israel answered and said, “My Lord, O king, just as you say, I and all that I have are yours.” Then the messengers came back and said, “Thus speaks Ben-Hadad, saying, ‘Indeed I have sent to you, saying, “You shall deliver to me your silver and your gold, your wives and your children”
Devotion

In our passage today, King Ahab and the Israelites face an overwhelming challenge. Thousands of Arameans threaten to siege Samaria, the capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The Aramean king, Ben-Hadad, demands Ahab's silver, gold, wives, children and finally the city.

We have a real enemy, like Ben-hadad, whose plan is only to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). 

Ahab disgracefully submitted to Ben-hadad’s very insolent demand. Ahab first gives in to the request, likely believing it could placate Ben-Hadad. He shortly finds out that Ben-Hadad asks for more, as the enemy always does. In fact the enemy will never stop taking until he’s gotten everything we have. 

Ahab was faint hearted, which means that he lacked conviction and was cowardly. 

He did not have a history of consulting God. He rather worshiped Baal, a false god. If God may not rule us, our enemies shall. A rebel to God is a slave to all besides. We live in a fallen world, with a corrupted culture that is influenced by our enemy. We must not give in to its demands of us. We must be determined to seek the Lord in all things, standing firm in His presence with His Word as our sword and let His mighty power work in and through us. He has given us the overwhelming victory (Romans 8:37)! 


Today’s Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
Because You are the source of my strength, I refuse to let the enemy take me down through hardships or temptation! I cannot do it alone, and thankfully, I don’t need to. I ask for Your wisdom in dodging every fiery dart he throws at me, and overcoming all the demons of hell. I thank You that You are greater than he, and You are always here to help me, even in the midst of the trials. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.


Apply It Today

How many times have you given in to the enemy when he hit you hard or offered an enticing temptation? Remember, God always provides a way out, but it is up to you to take that way. As your focus today, think back on those times that you gave in to the enemy, then prayerfully consider how you should respond differently next time. Sincerely ask God to give you the wisdom to stand firm in His strength when the enemy tries to hinder your walk with Him.


Resources: