3 CONSTANTS When Our Faith Faces a FIGHT [1 Samuel 5:1-5]

Life is a battlefield, full of punches, blows, challenges, and trials that often leave us questioning our faith.

For every setback, there is a lesson to be learned and a chance for wisdom earned.

The story of the Ark of the Covenant captured by the Philistines in 1 Samuel 5:1-5 offers valuable lessons on 3 crucial things to remember when facing faith battles.

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3 Things That Remain Constant When Our Faith Faces a Fight [1 Samuel 5:1-5]

#1 – God’s Presence

“And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod.” [1 Samuel 5:1]

The Ark was a symbol of God’s presence to the Israelites.

Yet, their enemies, the Philistines, captured it and took it away from them.

Imagine the Israelites’ despair who had placed their faith in the Ark.

It’s the same hopelessness we feel after a job loss, a broken relationship, a health scare, among other setbacks.

The mistake sometimes we make is equating setbacks with God’s absence.

Yet often, it’s in those darkest valleys that His light shines brightest.

For instance, the capture of the Ark set the stage for God’s powerful display of His sovereignty.

What feels like abandonment is simply a call to remember that “all things work together for good for those that love God.’ [Romans 8:28]

#2 – God’s Power

“When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon.” [1 Samuel 5:2]

Ignorantly, the Philistines brought the Ark of God as a trophy in the temple of their God, Dagon.

In their misguided arrogance, they treated the symbol of the Almighty’s presence as mere spoils of war.

Not realizing the tremendous power they were dealing with, they mocked the true God and relegated Him beneath a worthless idol.

Their vain attempt to domesticate the Ark ended utterly in the destruction of their false God’s power and affliction of people.

This account demonstrates that the God of Israel is not a territorial deity but the omnipotent master of all creation.

He proved his refusal to share worship, for there is no God besides Him, and He judges harshly those who defy Him.

This highlights that nothing can truly challenge God’s sovereignty, no matter how overwhelming the problems may seem.

#3 – God’s Promises

“Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any that come into Dagon’s house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod unto this day.” [1 Samuel 5:5]

The Bible contains numerous accounts that testify to God’s unwavering faithfulness in keeping His promises, and this is one such example.

From the pledge to Noah to never again destroy the earth by flood, his oath to make Abraham a great nation, to other promises to many more generations after, God has proved that ‘He is watching to see that His Word is fulfilled.’ [Jeremiah 1:12]

God has already proven Himself worthy of our eternal reverence, for His ‘Word is eternal and forever settled in heaven‘ [Psalms 119:89]

This story of the Ark reminds us that even when our faith faces a fight, God’s presence, power, and promises remain constant.

Hold on to Him, and He will see you through.

What promise from the Bible are you holding onto right now?

Share it below and encourage someone else!

This fight for faith is something everyone faces.

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