“…I am the Lord your God; do not worship the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you live.” But you have not listened to me.'” – Judges 6:10 (NIV)
In times of oppression, hardship, and loss, our first instinct is often to cry out to God for rescue. In Judges 6, the Israelites were in dire straits – impoverished, hiding in caves and dens to survive the relentless raids of the Midianites.
When they reached their breaking point, they cried out to the Lord for deliverance.
God heard their cry, but His immediate response wasn’t a military victory – it was a message.
He sent a prophet to remind them of His faithfulness, His past deliverance from Egypt, and His clear instruction: Do not fear or worship the local idols. Yet, the core of their issue was starkly exposed: “But you have not listened to me” (Judges 6:10).
So often, we ask God to change our circumstances without asking if we were or are attentive to His voice. We pray for rescue, yet we turn a deaf ear to His direction, warnings, and call to holiness.
We ask God to be our Saviour in trouble, but fail to let Him be the Lord of our everyday choices.
For the Israelites, God moved by appointing His servant, Gideon, to be their deliverer – finding him threshing wheat in secret inside a winepress, hiding from the enemy. God met His people right in the middle of their fear and distress and delivered them. He is always speaking, offering grace and clear guidance. Are you really listening?
Ask yourself:
1. Am I quick to ask God for help, but slow to quiet my heart and listen to His Word?
2. Are there areas of my life where God has already given guidance, but I have chosen not to obey?
3. What distractions or fears are keeping me from hearing God clearly today?
Then act!
Prayers
Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I have cried out for Your help while ignoring Your voice. Teach me to sit quietly in Your presence before rushing into my day. Open my ears to hear Your truth, my mind to understand Your will, and my heart to obey Your voice faithfully. Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening today. Help me discard any spiritual distractions or idols, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
Read: Judges 6:14; 1 Samuel 3:10
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 113; Ephesians 5:8-33; Isaiah 65:17-25; Isaiah 66