Let go of past failures and do not be afraid 1 Samuel 7, 7-8

Now when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel had gathered together at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard of it, they were afraid of the Philistines. So the children of Israel said to Samuel, “Do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines.” 1 Samuel 7, 7-8

While the revival was taking place at Mizpah and the children of Israel found their way back to Yahweh, the enemy also was making his moves as his manner is because he doesn’t relent from pursuing. Listen child of God, the enemy will always try to come against you that is why we need to constantly watch and pray so we do not stumble.

The bible says our adversary the devil is going through and fro like a lion, seeking who he may devour. So the Philistines heard about what was going on and their lords went up against Israel, not ordinary Philistine but lords. This was enough to send fear into the midst of the Israelites considering their past experience with the Philistines.

The Philistines had defeated Israel many times and had been a thorn in their flesh though the land was promised and given to the Israelites as their inheritance from God (“Now Joshua was old, advanced in years. And the Lord said to him: “You are old, advanced in years, and there remains very much land yet to be possessed. This is the land that yet remains: all the territory of the Philistines and all that of the Geshurites, from Sihor, which is east of Egypt, as far as the border of Ekron northward (which is counted as Canaanite); the five lords of the Philistines—the Gazites, the Ashdodites, the Ashkelonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites” Joshua 13, 1-3).

These past defeat and failures made the Israelites to be afraid of the Philistines when they too heard about that the Philistines were coming against them (beware of what you hear and see!!!).

Sometimes some negative news or experience of the past in our lives can cause us not to take the next step for fear of failure but the bible says “for a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again” (Proverbs 24:16). So though you fail in the past, try again. Trust the Lord for deliverance next time for “He delivers the righteous from many of his afflictions”.

Do not be afraid of the threats of the enemy like the Israelites and fail to discern the change of season in your life. “Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth” (Isaiah 43, 18-19). David said: “though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident” (Psalm 27, 3).

Fear brings in doubt, follow by discouragement which leads to hopelessness and then defeat. This year arise and stand in faith. Faith comes by hearing the word of God. Whose report will you believe this year?

Let us not walk by sight but by faith. When fear knocks at your door, let faith opens it and you will see that fear will run off and disappear. Let us cast off fear "for we did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but we received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father” (Romans 8, 15).