Devotions: The Choice of Victory

 

Thus the sons of Israel were subdued at that time, and the sons of Judah conquered because they trusted in the Lord, the God of their fathers.

2 Chronicles 13:18 New American Standard Bible 1995

 

The sons of Israel and the sons of Judah were all Jews. They were all descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They were all brought up worshiping the one true God. However, the kingdom was divided. Israel referred to the northern 10 tribes (obviously excluding the tribe of Judah), and Israel turned away from God to worship false gods. At one point there was a civil war, and the two countries fought against each other. Israel’s army was twice the size of Judah’s, but Judah served the true God who fought for them. Israel was conquered because they had turned away from God.

This is probably one of the most poignant examples of the result of following God versus following the ways of the world. These two countries had the same upbringing and spiritual heritage, but one prevailed against great odds while the other failed even though everything was in their favor. The one and only reason for the one’s victory and the other’s defeat was their faith. One was faithful to God and won; the other was not faithful to God and failed. It is as simple as that. It does not matter how strong we are or how much we have going for us, if we do not trust in God, if we are not obedient to Him and follow His ways, we cannot expect long lasting victory. We may have some form of worldly success, but it will not last, nor will it be truly satisfying. It will only leave us feeling empty. It is only by following God and His ways, staying true to Him and His Truth, that we can have lasting, satisfying victory.

Do you want victory? Are you faithful? Do you stay true to the ways and truth of God, or just the ones that you agree with or are easy to follow? Ask God to help you be faithful, to stay true to His truth regardless of what the world deems appropriate, and to help you have victory.

 

 

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