THE PATH BACK

 1 Samuel 7:2-9
They said to Samuel, "Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us" 1 Sam. 7:8a).

 THE PATH BACK
Duane Brush

The Israel was back at Mizpah: this time not to settle a family quarrel, but in hope of national revival,. Spiritually, economically, and militarily Israel languished before their enemies. How do you rebuild hope, confidence, and strength? Samuel proposed a seven-step program of national restoration  (vv. 5-6):

1. Forsake the Idols: To return to God required removing all they had set in his place and to serve him only.

2. Assemble: As long as Israel remained scattered, they would be a weak people.

3. Intercede: Samuel set the example in prayer. God's people must "stand in the gap" and pray for the fallen, near and far.

4. Demonstrate: They drew water and poured it out before the Lord, symbolically offering their very lives to God.


5. Fast: The ancient spiritual discipline combines self-denial and a refocusing of life priorities upon seeking God.


6. Confess: The previous steps prepared Israel for this crucial step. Without confession, there would be no restoration. Confession opens the door to God's blessing.


7. Offer: The offering of a lamb sealed their re dedication, "and the Lord answered" (v. 9b). He still answers today.







The Christian can no more live without prayer then a fish can  live in a sandbox. (W.E. McCumber).

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