We have started our new L.I.F.E. Lessons Bible Study, and I have decided to bring the contents of our study into our devotional time, as well. We are following a six-week Bible Study by Katie M. Reid entitled, “God, What Do I Do?” This study is based on the Book of Judges, Chapters 1-5, and we are digging into what these lessons teach us about making wise decisions in uncertain times.
In our passage for today, we will continue with chapter 1; our focus is “God, What Do I Do When I’ve Failed?”
None of us enjoys failing at something; it’s a downer. Truly, the feelings we get when we meet the expectations set before us are satisfying to our souls. Yet, failure is a part of growth, because we learn what is not successful. It may be our failure or the failure of others, but failure can always be an effective teaching tool. Jesus allows us to see our weaknesses, because he is the only One who can bring the transformation and strength we need.
Remember, we are being made in the image of Christ and learning to live as a Spirit-led son or daughter. When we fail at something, it is an opportunity to gain more understanding of what is needed. God teaches us to live self-aware and as much as we do not like to admit it, we have limitations that only God can make successful. When we are weak, Jesus is strong. Therefore, obedience is the key to success!
Obedience is not the pressure to perform, it is God’s way of setting us free. God brings His abundance to our lack and He provides a Way to genuine spiritual life rather than let us squalor in spiritual death. To be successful as a child of God means we must learn to fully obey.
Everyone of these tribe leaders in Judges Chapter 1 failed to obey God’s Word [drive out the Canaanites/destroy]. As a result we find God’s people failing, because the Canaanites were determined to stay. God did not want His people to be influenced by sin or struggle to live for Him, but some of the Israelites decided to make the Canaanites slaves and/or let them live among them. The Israelites were to be set apart by destroying/consecrating all things and they failed to obey (Deuteronomy 20:16-18).
Judges 1:27-36 NLT
27 The tribe of Manasseh failed to drive out the people living in Beth-shan, Taanach, Dor, Ibleam, Megiddo, and all their surrounding settlements, because the Canaanites were determined to stay in that region. 28 When the Israelites grew stronger, they forced the Canaanites to work as slaves, but they never did drive them completely out of the land.
29 The tribe of Ephraim failed to drive out the Canaanites living in Gezer, so the Canaanites continued to live there among them.
30 The tribe of Zebulun failed to drive out the residents of Kitron and Nahalol, so the Canaanites continued to live among them. But the Canaanites were forced to work as slaves for the people of Zebulun.
31 The tribe of Asher failed to drive out the residents of Acco, Sidon, Ahlab, Aczib, Helbah, Aphik, and Rehob. 32 Instead, the people of Asher moved in among the Canaanites, who controlled the land, for they failed to drive them out.
33 Likewise, the tribe of Naphtali failed to drive out the residents of Beth-shemesh and Beth-anath. Instead, they moved in among the Canaanites, who controlled the land. Nevertheless, the people of Beth-shemesh and Beth-anath were forced to work as slaves for the people of Naphtali.
34 As for the tribe of Dan, the Amorites forced them back into the hill country and would not let them come down into the plains. 35 The Amorites were determined to stay in Mount Heres, Aijalon, and Shaalbim, but when the descendants of Joseph became stronger, they forced the Amorites to work as slaves. 36 The boundary of the Amorites ran from Scorpion Pass to Sela and continued upward from there.
This lesson is about being delivered from sin, because it cannot live among us. Sin is our spiritual enemy and it identifies in many ways. Sin must go or we will never taste the holiness of our God. Jesus makes a Way through obedience for us to be delivered from sin. The author of this study, Katie M. Reid, shares an acronym for O.B.E.Y.:
O-pportunities to trust God’s character are gifts to grow you.
B-lessings await those who follow God’s commands.
E-xercising your faith strengthens your faith.
Y-ielding your will to God’s leadership is wise.
Truth: When you have failed, decide to obey and live in freedom instead of bondage.
Galatians 5:7-9 NLT The Apostle Paul, reminds the Galatians of the same spiritual principle in Christ, 7 You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? 8 It certainly isn’t God, for he is the one who called you to freedom. 9 This false teaching is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough!
Prayer: Lord, please forgive us when we fail to obey You completely. Thank You for seeking to bring us freedom from sin. You desire for us to live free from bitterness, unforgiveness, rebellion, revenge, fear, and other sins. We seek to honor You, Lord. Please help us live as Your Spirit-led sons and daughters. Your strength is greater than any iron chariot we may face. In Jesus’ name. Amen.