1 Samuel 5:2 Then they carried the ark into Dagon’s temple and set it beside Dagon.
The end of 1 Samuel 4 is pretty rough. The Israelites brought in the ark of the covenant as their good luck charm, though their hearts were far away from God, and they were soundly defeated by the Philistines, who took the ark and place it beside their god. Things definitely didn’t look too good, but God….
1 Samuel 5:3 When the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the LORD! They took Dagon and put him back in his place.
What powerful words “but God….” We see defeat, but God sees victory. We see ashes, but God sees the glory that is to come. We see our personal hopes, dreams, and desires, but God sees how He can use us in His kingdom work if we allow. We see loss, but God sees the rest of the story.
1 Samuel 5:4 But the following morning when they rose, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the LORD! His head and hands had been broken off and were lying on the threshold; only his body remained.
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the hope that can only come from You. Thank You for continuing to whisper to my heart that no matter how desperate or disappointing a situation looks, You are in control, already making a way, working things for our good and Your glory. Thank You for Your love, Your grace, and Your mercy. Draw us closer. Amen.
Hebrews 10:23 Let is hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who Promised is faithful.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.