Calamity sure seemed to become the prevailing formidable foe when God's people turned away from the way He had purposed. Time after time, there were attempts by Kings to bring restoration and peace to God's chosen ones by simply being obedient. At times when it seems so easy to succomb to the weight of sin that besets us; that which entangles us even when we are at our best, we need to run this race with patience. Father God, thank you for giving me the strength to look to You as the author and finisher of my faith.