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 . . . Judges 3:9 (ESV)
This phrase is a recurring theme throughout the book of Judges. When life was good, the Israelites fell away from God. When life was bad, they cried out for rescue. Now before we judge them too harshly, we need to take an honest look at ourselves.
When it comes down to it, we aren’t so different. Our relationship with God fluctuates according to our circumstances. I’ll be the first to admit that my prayer life is bolder and stronger when life throws me a curve ball than those days when life is hunky-dory.
I believe that the biggest threat to spiritual growth is not hardship and suffering but a life free of struggles. Because hardships remind me how much I need a deliverer.
Prayer: Lord, may I never forget that I need you in the good times as much as in the hard times. May those times of blessing never dull my desire for you. In your name I pray, Amen.
Thought: The mundane tasks of everyday life can lull you to apathy and push God to the back of your mind. Refuse to become self-sufficient in life. You need God every day, whether you’re facing a storm or not – Paul Chappell