Separating Faith from Superstition and Magic

Daily Devotional – Thursday, June 24, 2021

The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the LORD.

Proverbs 21:31 (NKJV)

Some religious sects prohibit their members from modern medical services. Others teach adherents not to acquire secular education. Sometimes there is a very thin line between faith, superstition and magic.

If God has given us the gift of medicine, why reject it? Does God work miracles where He has given us the ability to solve challenges we face?

Before the wall of Jericho fell, God commanded His people to march around the city for seven days. He could have asked them to sit back and watch him destroy the city, but He decided to involve the Israelites.

They had a role to play – to match and make a might war cry on the seventh day. God was teaching them that, “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance is of the LORD” (Proverbs 21:31).

The same applies to us. The farmer must prepare his field and plant seed. Students must study and prepare for examinations. God will provide the victory but the horse must be prepared first.

To fail to use the resources God has placed in our reach and expect Him to work miracles is to believe in magic. If a doctor must treat you but you opt for prayer alone, you are being superstitious.

If you do not prepare your horse, by what means will God give you victory? However, beware that even with the best preparation, victory is from God. It is not by your own efforts that you succeed. It is by obeying and cooperating with God.

Father, help me to trust You, do my part and wait for the victory that only You gives.