Between 1 Samuel 4-7 the Israelites engage in war with the Philistines. The Israelites suffer a humiliating and devastating loss to the Philistines in Chapter 4, but by Chapter 7, the Israelites experience a tremendous victory by the help of God. The difference between these two battles is important for all of us to understand: God is not a “good-luck charm” that you can simply bring out when you need it. God’s power and presence are realized through relationship with Him. It is only by God’s help that we can experience “victory” in our lives through knowing Him.