the difference for decisive victory

do you know the name of the first of the "judges" of israel? - here's a hint - right after joshua died - it's not rolling off your tongue is it?

his name isn't important - well it was to him - and his mom - but not for this post today

joshua led israel into recapturing their land - canaan - palestine - but after he died israel lost their way - they weren't following God - so they ended up in deep trouble - disobedience and sin will do that to you - every time - so they called out to God again - and he raised up a deliverer - during this part of israel's history these leaders were called judges - i'll tell you why in a minute

othniel - he was the first judge - being the first is often fun - and often scary - there's no one to copy - no one to steal ideas from - no how-to books to read - but he had to follow the call - the passion - to lead God's people from their rebellion - and  from their 8-year captivity to the king of mesopotamia

othniel started where they went wrong - he no doubt led them to repent - this is why these leaders were called judges - they didn't just lead people like a king - they also led people spiritually - pointing out their rebellions and leading them back to God

othniel recruited an army - then he conducted a war so decisive it resulted in an undisturbed peace of 40 years! - for the rest of othniel's life! - not that there were no problems - but this enemy was vanquished! - finished - capitivity was over and done!

how? - how do you try something no one ever did? - how do you know what to do? - how do you find resources and people you need by your side? - how do you plan and conduct a war against your enemy that results in decisive victory? - othniel's story tells us how

when the LORD's Spirit came over him, he became the judge of israel. judges 3:10

ask God's Spirit to come over you - and expect it - expect His Spirit to give you wisdom to know what to do - to empower you for whatever battle you are facing - and give you decisive victory!