How can you know when to trust your own instincts and when to wait for God’s guidance? When conflict, difficult decisions, or emotional situations arise, self-reliance can cause us to act or react before seeking God’s wisdom. Judges 1:1-4 offers a powerful picture of what it looks like to turn to God first, ask for His direction, and faithfully follow where He leads.

Following Christ doesn’t mean we will always know exactly what to do or receive an immediate answer. God often guides us through Scripture, prayer, the Holy Spirit, and the wisdom of other believers. As we consistently seek Him in everyday circumstances, we become more attentive to His direction when bigger challenges arise. Learning to follow Christ requires practice, humility, and trust, but we can rest in the assurance that we don’t have to figure out every step on our own.

Highlights


Why self-reliance can lead us to act or react before seeking God’s guidance


What Judges 1:1-4 teaches about turning to God for direction


How prayer and Scripture help us develop greater spiritual discernment


Why God’s guidance may come through Scripture, other believers, or the Holy Spirit


How practicing dependence on God in everyday situations prepares us for bigger challenges


What James 1:5 teaches about asking God for wisdom without fear of criticism


Encouragement to trust Christ’s leadership rather than trying to figure out every step on your own

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Full Transcript Below:

Faithfully Led by Christ
By: Jennifer Slattery

Bible Reading:
After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the Lord, “Who of us is to go up first to fight against the Canaanites?” - Judges 1:1.

Some of my deepest relational wounds were self-inflicted. I’m presently dealing with the painful aftereffects of a situation I created through self-reliance. That’s not to say I never prayed for God’s guidance, or that I didn’t try to follow His lead. I did, frequently. But I also acted on my emotions and perspectives far too often, particularly during times of conflict. 

Because of this, at times, I did and said things that hurt the other person and damaged our relationship. In fact, when I consider some of my most painful experiences, I recognize that I brought many of them on myself by acting before receiving God’s guidance, His perspective on the situation, or His strength to love others as He loves me.

That’s one reason I find the book of Judges so comforting, because it highlights God’s grace despite humanity’s persistent rebellion. 

The people started their new season in the Promised Land well. The Israelites appeared to keep their focus on God and His will, even for some time after Joshua, their former leader, died. 

Having witnessed God’s miraculous provision and protection during their desert wanderings, these men and women seemed to recognize how much they needed the Lord’s support. At this point in their history, it appears they didn’t have a strong, central leader—no president, king, or military commander—to follow. 

Yet, rather than relying on themselves, they turned to their true, ever-faithful King, the Almighty. They sought His guidance, and He provided, stating in verse 2, “Judah shall go up; behold, I have given the land into his hand.”

Verse 4 records the result: “Judah went up, and the Lord gave the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hands, and they defeated ten thousand men at Bezek” (Judges 1:4, NASB). 

This reminds me of the promise recorded in James 1:5, which reads, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (NIV).

Intersecting Life & Faith:

Scripture invites me to come to God with all my concerns, questions, and confusion. When I do, God never responds with frustration or criticism. Instead, He welcomes me close, often comforts and strengthens my soul, and provides the wisdom I need to navigate life’s complexities with discernment and grace. 

Sometimes, I “hear” His directions in that moment. Most often, however, His guidance comes later, in His perfect timing, whether that's through Scripture, a conversation with another Christ-follower, or a growing but gentle conviction from the Holy Spirit.

I’m learning, I’m most apt to recognize His voice when I practice connecting with Him while tuning my spiritual ears to Him. This intentionality and consistency in everyday experiences help me recognize His voice in situations that feel “high stakes”—like with the relationship I mentioned at the beginning of this devotion.

In my present, healing-but-not-yet-whole situation, the Lord provided understanding of the other person’s fears and their hurts I wouldn’t have known otherwise. This reduced my tendency toward defensiveness while increasing my ability to remain focused on the real issue, rather than outward behavior (symptoms). He’s also shown me ways some of my past actions caused harm, along with how I can interact differently in the future. 

Not only have these divine insights facilitated relational healing, but they’ve also dramatically reduced my angst by reminding me that I’m not alone. I don’t have to figure out each step; I simply need to follow the One who has promised to lead me to His very best (John 10:10).

As I consistently turn to Christ and yield to His Spirit within, I’m better able to follow the example provided in the opening of Judges. As I do, something beautiful occurs. God’s faithfulness deepens my trust and increases my desire to seek His guidance before actingor reacting.

Again, this takes practice, intentionality, and consistency, as many of us have spent our entire lives strengthening our self-reliance. Thankfully, we’re not traveling this transformation journey alone. The God who led ancient Israel into the Promised Land longs to guide us through our challenges, big and small, as well. 

Consider: How might responding to God's guidance in everyday situations increase your ability to recognize His direction when facing life's bigger battles? And if this is an area you long to grow in, I invite you to join me and my cohost Carol McCracken on the Faith Over Fear podcast for our upcoming series on hearing God. Because the Lord is leading us. The question is, are we alert and responsive to His guidance? 

Further Reading:
Proverbs 3:5-6
Psalm 25:4-5
Galatians 5:16, 22-25

How can you know when to trust your own instincts and when to wait for God&rsquo;s guidance? When conflict, difficult decisions, or emotional situations arise, self-reliance can cause us to act or react before seeking God&rsquo;s wisdom. Judges 1:1-4 offers a powerful picture of what it looks like to turn to God first, ask for His direction, and faithfully follow where He leads.
Following Christ doesn&rsquo;t mean we will always know exactly what to do or receive an immediate answer. God often guides us through Scripture, prayer, the Holy Spirit, and the wisdom of other believers. As we consistently seek Him in everyday circumstances, we become more attentive to His direction when bigger challenges arise. Learning to follow Christ requires practice, humility, and trust, but we can rest in the assurance that we don&rsquo;t have to figure out every step on our own.
Highlights
<ul data-spread="false">
<li>
Why self-reliance can lead us to act or react before seeking God&rsquo;s guidance
</li>
<li>
What Judges 1:1-4 teaches about turning to God for direction
</li>
<li>
How prayer and Scripture help us develop greater spiritual discernment
</li>
<li>
Why God&rsquo;s guidance may come through Scripture, other believers, or the Holy Spirit
</li>
<li>
How practicing dependence on God in everyday situations prepares us for bigger challenges
</li>
<li>
What James 1:5 teaches about asking God for wisdom without fear of criticism
</li>
<li>
Encouragement to trust Christ&rsquo;s leadership rather than trying to figure out every step on your own
</li>
</ul>
Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to <a href="https://newsletters.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword">The Good Word,</a> LifeAudio&rsquo;s free weekly newsletter.
Sign up at <a href="https://newsletters.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword">LifeAudio.com/thegoodword</a>
Do you want to listen ad-free?
When you join&nbsp;Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors&mdash;resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/subscribe/?utm_source=subscribe_page&amp;utm_medium=YDBV&amp;utm_campaign=YDBV_PLUS">Sign Up Today!</a>
<hr>
Full Transcript Below:
Faithfully Led by Christ By: Jennifer Slattery
Bible Reading: After the death&nbsp;of Joshua, the Israelites asked the&nbsp;Lord, &ldquo;Who of us is to go up first&nbsp;to fight against the Canaanites?&rdquo; - Judges 1:1.
Some of my deepest relational wounds were self-inflicted. I&rsquo;m presently dealing with the painful aftereffects of a situation I created through self-reliance. That&rsquo;s not to say I never prayed for God&rsquo;s guidance, or that I didn&rsquo;t try to follow His lead. I did, frequently. But I also acted on my emotions and perspectives far too often, particularly during times of conflict.&nbsp;
Because of this, at times, I did and said things that hurt the other person and damaged our relationship. In fact, when I consider some of my most painful experiences, I recognize that I brought many of them on myself by acting before receiving God&rsquo;s guidance, His perspective on the situation, or His strength to love others as He loves me.
That&rsquo;s one reason I find the book of Judges so comforting, because it highlights God&rsquo;s grace despite humanity&rsquo;s persistent rebellion.&nbsp;
The people started their new season in the Promised Land well. The Israelites appeared to keep their focus on God and His will, even for some time after Joshua, their former leader, died.&nbsp;
Having witnessed God&rsquo;s miraculous provision and protection during their desert wanderings, these men and women seemed to recognize how much they needed the Lord&rsquo;s support. At this point in their history, it appears they didn&rsquo;t have a strong, central leader&mdash;no president, king, or military commander&mdash;to follow.&nbsp;
Yet, rather than relying on themselves, they turned to their true, ever-faithful King, the Almighty. They sought His guidance, and He provided, stating in verse 2, &ldquo;Judah shall go up; behold, I have given the land into his hand.&rdquo;
Verse 4 records the result: &ldquo;Judah went up, and the Lord gave the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hands, and they defeated ten thousand men at Bezek&rdquo; (Judges 1:4, NASB).&nbsp;
This reminds me of the promise recorded in James 1:5, which reads, &ldquo;If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,&nbsp;who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you&rdquo; (NIV).
Intersecting Life &amp; Faith:
Scripture invites me to come to God with all my concerns, questions, and confusion. When I do, God never responds with frustration or criticism. Instead, He welcomes me close, often comforts and strengthens my soul, and provides the wisdom I need to navigate life&rsquo;s complexities with discernment and grace.&nbsp;
Sometimes, I &ldquo;hear&rdquo; His directions in that moment. Most often, however, His guidance comes later, in His perfect timing, whether that's through Scripture, a conversation with another Christ-follower, or a growing but gentle conviction from the Holy Spirit.
I&rsquo;m learning, I&rsquo;m most apt to recognize His voice when I practice connecting with Him while tuning my spiritual ears to Him. This intentionality and consistency in everyday experiences help me recognize His voice in situations that feel &ldquo;high stakes&rdquo;&mdash;like with the relationship I mentioned at the beginning of this devotion.
In my present, healing-but-not-yet-whole situation, the Lord provided understanding of the other person&rsquo;s fears and their hurts I wouldn&rsquo;t have known otherwise. This reduced my tendency toward defensiveness while increasing my ability to remain focused on the real issue, rather than outward behavior (symptoms). He&rsquo;s also shown me ways some of my past actions caused harm, along with how I can interact differently in the future.&nbsp;
Not only have these divine insights facilitated relational healing, but they&rsquo;ve also dramatically reduced my angst by reminding me that I&rsquo;m not alone. I don&rsquo;t have to figure out each step; I simply need to follow the One who has promised to lead me to His very best (John 10:10).
As I consistently turn to Christ and yield to His Spirit within, I&rsquo;m better able to follow the example provided in the opening of Judges. As I do, something beautiful occurs. God&rsquo;s faithfulness deepens my trust and increases my desire to seek His guidance before acting or reacting.
Again, this takes practice, intentionality, and consistency, as many of us have spent our entire lives strengthening our self-reliance. Thankfully, we&rsquo;re not traveling this transformation journey alone. The God who led ancient Israel into the Promised Land longs to guide us through our challenges, big and small, as well.&nbsp;
Consider: How might responding to God's guidance in everyday situations increase your ability to recognize His direction when facing life's bigger battles? And if this is an area you long to grow in, I invite you to join me and my cohost Carol McCracken on the Faith Over Fear podcast for our upcoming series on hearing God. Because the Lord is leading us. The question is, are we alert and responsive to His guidance?&nbsp;
Further Reading: Proverbs 3:5-6 Psalm 25:4-5 Galatians 5:16, 22-25

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.

Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:

☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It)
☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment
☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life
☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life
☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church
☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer
☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation
☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year

If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.

Are you a Christian looking for a daily devotional podcast to encourage, inspire, and convict you in your walk with Christ? 7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Daily Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life. Let's study the Bible together and through the experiences of other believers, learn how to apply the Word of God to our lives.
Here’s just some of what we cover in The Crosswalk Daily Devotional Podcast:
☕️ Why the Tongue Can't Be Tamed (And What to Do about It) ☕️ The Quickest Way to an Attitude Adjustment ☕️ Your Birthday: The Most and Least Important Day of Your Life ☕️ Noticing God's Blessings in the Hardest Moments of Life ☕️ One of the Sneakiest Lies Satan Is Telling the Church ☕️ How to Push Through the Weariness of Prayer ☕️ 3 Steps to Take When Facing Temptation ☕️ What to Remember during a Stressful Election Year
If you love what you're listening to on the podcast, be sure to check out our companion devotional at <a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/">https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/crosswalk-devo/.</a>

7 days a week, The Crosswalk.com Devotional Podcast offers wisdom and insight for applying Biblical truths to the ups and downs of everyday life.

The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Christian Podcast

The Crosswalk Devotional

Faithfully Led by Christ

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/e2db8c3e-cc42-4951-9e42-b4db00eb6b7a/transcript