Capeless Heroes: A 7-Day Bible Reading PlanSample

Day 3: When a Hero Fails

Do you remember the first time you saw a hero fail or fall?

It is rare to see Thor without his hammer, Mjölnir, which he inherited from his father, Odin. As the god of thunder, Thor uses the weapon to defend good and defeat evil. But he must remain worthy of the gift. An unworthy individual can't even pick up the weapon, which means not even Hulk with his mutant muscles can take it from him. In Marvel's 2011 movie, Thor is stripped of the hammer because of his arrogance and bullheadedness. He becomes his own worst enemy. Because Thor is more concerned with his future than his feelings, Odin leaves him vulnerable to teach him a lesson. As a result, Thor experiences an epic defeat. But the loss ultimately helps him build character.

There are thirteen battles recorded in the book of Joshua. God promised Joshua that his army would be unstoppable because God would be their sword and shield. He told them, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (1:5). But during their second battle, in a city named Ai, God allowed them to lose. This was the only military loss young Joshua had experienced as a commander.

Joshua was confused, and he questioned God’s plan. How could God leave them vulnerable? Hadn't he promised victory? What Joshua didn't realize was that a soldier named Achan had stolen some items God had said were off limits. God was more concerned with their future than their feelings, so He allowed the Israelites to experience loss. He called them out on their failure to follow His commands. This one defeat would help them win back their character and reestablish their commitment to God’s ways. They were reminded that they couldn't be stopped by military might, but they could suffer loss as a consequence of disobedience.

Have you allowed spiritual compromise or sin to take root in your life, not realizing it may hinder all God wants to do in you and through you?

Action Step for Today:

Ask God if there’s anything in your life you need to deal with, any sin or disobedience you need to surrender. Remember that: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).