I Can’t Handle One More Problem | 1 Samuel 13:19-23

Have you ever been in a situation where problems pile up, and you're not sure if you can handle one more?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in 1 Samuel 13. I've titled this chapter "Partial Obedience Is Complete Disobedience."

In Chapter 13, the Philistines press against King Saul. Saul offers a burnt offering he shouldn't have, and Samuel pronounces an indictment against him. Meanwhile, the Philistines are 36,000 strong with advanced weaponry and Saul is a measly 600 men with rudimentary weapons. Listen as I read 19-23:

Now there was no blacksmith to be found throughout all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, “Lest the Hebrews make themselves swords or spears.” But every one of the Israelites went down to the Philistines to sharpen his plowshare, his mattock, his axe, or his sickle, and the charge was two-thirds of a shekel for the plowshares and for the mattocks, and a third of a shekel for sharpening the axes and for setting the goads. So on the day of the battle there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people with Saul and Jonathan, but Saul and Jonathan his son had them. And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the pass of Michmash. — 1 Samuel 13:19-23

This section is an important description because not only do the Philistines have them surrounded, preventing any kind of retreat or help from other tribes to the north, south, east, or west. They also have complete control of all metallurgical resources. And not just the weaponry but also the tools that aid in sharpening and repairing of their everyday agricultural tools. The Philistines intentionally retained control of all these resources.

These tactics are still being used today. They're being used by stakeholders in popular media who control and spin the information we hear, using it to persuade us of their ideas and beliefs. They're being used by influencers and investors who use their power to persuade us of their positions or to buy their products. They're also being used by corporations, whose policies and procedures prevent proselytizing while proselytizing us of positions that the Bible is against.

But here's the good news. Even without resources, believers can be victorious. The enemy will monopolize resources as he wages war against us. We may feel resourceless, but we worship a God of all resources.

Today, if you feel like you are under attack. If you feel outnumbered, outflanked, and underresourced. If your life is full of problems and you don't if you can handle one more issue. If you feel like you are on the edge of defeat and destruction. I want you to know you are not. 1 Samuel 14 is coming, and it's good news because the world does not possess and monopolize these resources. We have a God of all resources who can do something with nothing; he is the only resource you need.

#FaithOverFear, #GodsProvision, #VictoryInChrist

Ask This:
How can you trust God to provide for your needs when you feel outnumbered or under-resourced in your current challenges?
In what ways can you rely on God's strength and wisdom when facing situations that seem overwhelming and impossible to handle on your own?
Do This:

Give God your problems and let him help.

Pray This:

Father, in my moments of weakness and feeling overwhelmed, remind me of Your limitless power and provision. Help me to trust You completely, knowing that You are my ultimate resource and strength. Amen.

Play This:

My Help.