This week I went to the Toyota dealer to get a steering part replaced on a recall. They also gave me a free four-wheel alignment. It’s amazing how the car drives straighter and smoother. In a similar way, each of us need spiritual alignment in our personal lives. When people don’t accept divine guidance, they run wild (Prov. 29:18, NLT).
After 55 years and two judges, Israel did evil in the Lord’s sight again. They served the Baals and Ashtaroh and forsook the Lord instead of serving Him. The Lord’s anger burned against Israel. The Philistines and Ammon afflicted them for 18 years. When Ammon fought Israel, they were greatly distressed (Judges 10:1-9). When you forsake God, life situations become overwhelming. He designs these circumstances so you will turn back to God.
In their misery, Israel cried out to the Lord, “We have sinned against You, we have forsaken our God and served the Baals.” The Lord reminded them of His deliverance from Egyptian oppression and other nations after they cried out to Him. Because of their consistent disobedience, God threatened to discontinue future deliverances and let them rely on false gods. Israel woke up, confessed their sin, removed foreign gods and served the Lord. God could not bear Israel’s misery any longer (Judges 10:10-16). In each event of life, remind yourself of God’s past deliverances as motivation to repent of current sin so you can live out the Gospel in your present situation.
After Ammon camped in Gilead opposite Israel in Mizpah, the people and Gilead’s leaders asked “who is the man who will begin to fight against Ammon? He shall be become head over all the inhabitants of Gilead” (Judges 10:17-18). Those who fight against sin will become spiritual leaders among God’s people.
For those who have placed their faith in Christ’s death and resurrection, God’s power grants life and godliness through promises revealed in Scripture. It enables you to partake fully in the new spirit received from God and escape the world’s corruption and lust (2 Pet. 1:1-4).
Claim a particular promise from Scripture in a tough situation you are facing today. For example, if you feel anxious, claim 1 Peter 5:7 to cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
