“And the people of Israel said to the Lord, “We have sinned; do to us whatever seems good to you. Only please deliver us this day.” So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the Lord, and he became impatient over the misery of Israel.”

Judges 10:15-16 ESV

I desire quick correction from the Lord because I know that he does not delight in my suffering but is moved by my repentance. God is always willing to restore. 

“But the fig tree said to them, ‘Shall I leave my sweetness and my good fruit and go hold sway over the trees?’”

Judges 9:11 ESV

I’ll stay true to my purpose, using my talents to help others with humility and honesty. I won’t trade the joy and success of my calling for the short-term rush of power or authority. I know that real happiness comes from following God’s plan.

“And Gideon made an ephod of it and put it in his city, in Ophrah. And all Israel whored after it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and to his family.”

Judges 8:27 ESV

This is a reminder to remain aligned with the Lord so that any success I have points back to him and not what I have built. 

“The Lord said to Gideon, “The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’”

Judges 7:2 ESV

Am I positioning myself so that I get the glory or God? Do I wait for everything to align or do I move forward and trust that the Lord has me here for a reason? In what areas of my life am I “prepared enough” to move forward trusting that God will see me through it?

“And he said to him, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” And the Lord said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.””

Judges 6:15-16 ESV

God will never ask me to do something without first equipping me. It may be with everything I need to succeed, or the ability to learn. The important lesson is to trust God and take action.

I will worship in thankfulness, especially in times of victory or answered prayer. I will step up and take responsibility for what God has put before me always keeping my eye on the Lord. I will protect and provide for my family both physically and spiritually. I will help cultivate courage and faith in my children by being a positive influence in their lives.

“And Deborah said to Barak, “Up! For this is the day in which the Lord has given Sisera into your hand. Does not the Lord go out before you?” So Barak went down from Mount Tabor with 10,000 men following him.”

Judges 4:14 ESV

I trust in God’s timing, especially during uncertainty, and will keep ready so that I can carry out his will when the time is right.

“But when the people of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the people of Israel, who saved them, Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother.”

Judges 3:9 ESV

Lord, thank you for always providing a way. Thank you for your son Jesus Christ, the ultimate deliverer. Help me to stay on the narrow path. 

Lord I have kept up alters which have been nothing but a thorn and a snare. Please help me tear them down completely and replace them with your loving kindness.

Lord, help me eliminate all sin instead of trying to control it. My sin will always try to regain control, so guide me to lasting repentance.