Ichabod's Story: God Will Not Be Used - ReCreate Church - Pastor Michael Shockley - November 1 2026

From ReCreate Church’s Podcast · 48:15

Show by ReCreate Church

Ichabod's Story: God Will Not Be Used Speaker: Michael Shockley, ReCreate Church Scripture: 1 Samuel 4:1-22 King and Deliverer Series, Part 4 Episode Summary In part 4 of the "King and Deliverer" series, Pastor Michael opens with a haunting retelling of the birth of Ichabod, a baby whose name means "The Glory has departed." Israel marched into battle with the Ark of the Covenant, convinced it was a lucky charm that would force God to give them victory. The result was disaster. This strange and sobering story reminds us that God will not be used. Key Points - After a first defeat, Israel asked the right question ("Why did the Lord let this happen?") but never stopped to listen for the answer - Instead of seeking God, they tried to use Him, treating the Ark like a superweapon - The Ark never had power. The God of the Ark had power, and He refuses to be manipulated into serving our agenda - We can make the same mistake today by deciding what we want and then asking God to attach Himself to it - Superstition asks how to make God give us what we want. Faith asks what God wants. Main Takeaway God will not be used. We don't add Jesus to our agenda; we surrender our agenda to Jesus. If our relationship with God is built around "I did this, so God owes me that," it isn't worship, it's bargaining. Ask honestly whether you want God's will, or just God's help with your will. Memorable Quotes - "God will not be used." - "The Ark itself never had power. The God of the Ark had power." - "They didn't really want the Lord. They wanted the power." - "Superstition says, 'How can I make God give me what I want?' Faith says, 'God, what do you want?'" - "God had not departed from the people. They departed from Him." - "We don't add Jesus to our agenda. We surrender our agenda to Jesus." - "Lord, if what I want isn't what You want, then change what I want." Reflection Question Is there a plan, a decision, or a relationship you've already settled on and then asked God to bless? What would it look like to ask Him what He wants instead? Tune in to hear Pastor Michael's spooky-season retelling of the night Ichabod was born, plus a very questionable Indiana Jones reference, and what a John Deere mower with a flamethrower has to do with ancient Israelite warfare. Connect & Give Learn more about ReCreate Church at www.recreatechurch.org Give online easily and securely through Tithe.ly

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