…he sold them into the hand of their surrounding enemies… So the Lord left those nations, not driving them out quickly…

Judges 2:14, 23 ESV

When we love our sin, God can give us over to it. He gives us what we seek after. Make sure it’s Him! They sought other gods and got a taste of what it’s like to have them for your god. It’s miserable. That’s when people turn to all sorts of things to get out of their misery instead of the one sure way to freedom, repentance and faith in Jesus. I noticed, though, it says he didn’t drive them out quickly. They would eventually go. God will complete His work in you; it’s so much better to walk in His ways and spare yourself the misery.

Compare Israel’s experience to Peter’s.

“…Satan demanded to have you, …but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail…”

Luke 22:31-32 ESV

He’s given over to the enemy for his testing. Jesus prays his faith won’t fail. I would think Peter’s faith failed and that’s how he denied Christ. Jesus’s prayer couldn’t have been unanswered. I’m so grateful the enemies eventually get driven away and my floundering before I find my faith footing can be forgiven and washed away. Thank God for His keeping and for His faithfulness to complete the work.