As the rest of events in the book of Judges unfolded, we witness Israel’s slow fade from triumphant living to disobedient laziness. They had started so strong: the Israelites had sought the Lord’s direction and obeyed Him and because of this, they were triumphant over their enemies and they conquered the land. But it takes continuing faith and obedience, not one-time faith and obedience to live out God’s plan. Faith and obedience were not just necessary to enter the land and conquer it; they were just as necessary to live in the land and defend it. But instead, we encounter at least eight instances of disobedience in verses 21–36. Rather than believing and obeying, they decided to let their enemies remain in the land – in complete disobedience to God. At least eight times when God’s people rested from their faith in God, rather than resting in their faith in God.

It’s tempting to wag our fingers at the Israelites, but we shouldn’t be so fast to do so. Instead, we should ask ourselves a question – a challenging one: are we any different? How prone are we to rest in a single act of faith or obedience? How often do we obey half-way? How many times do we see victories in our lives give way to defeat not because God has failed us, but because our faith has faltered? 

In what area of your life do you struggle to believe and obey?