1 Samuel 4:17

Israel is fled. How different would the history of Israel have been had there only been a leadership that sought the face of God. Still, despite selfish leaders who seek their own glory rather than that of God, and thus open the way for defeat, He does not close His ears to the cry of any individual who earnestly seeks His face. The fact that Jerusalem was depopulated by Nebuchadnezzar did not prohibit Daniel and his companions from living so close to the Lord as to bring the gospel to many of their captors. Light shines brightest in the darkest night, and the best characters are often developed amid the worst possible environments. God has the power to turn moments of dire humiliation into periods of glorious opportunity, not only for Israel but also for all men.