Closer, Madder, Meaner

Repentance positions you, it creates the condition, the atmosphere upon which the LORD will deliver, no matter who surrounds you.   ~~~   “As Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to attack Israel. But the LORD thundered with a mighty sound that day against the Philistines and threw them into confusion, and they were routed before Israel.” Notice, as we continue with the text, that as Samuel is offering the sacrifice, it is then that LORD came against the Philistines, throwing them into a confused mass, routing them into defeat. So just note with me, the people repented. They ridded themselves of idols. They established their hearts in the LORD. They began serve Him alone, fasting, praying, worshiping AND THEN, the enemy got closer, madder, bigger, meaner. Repentance does not put you in the place of non-conflict. Repentance positions you, it creates the condition, the atmosphere upon which the LORD will deliver, no matter who surrounds you.