When God’s Hand Is Against You | Judges 2:14-15

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Our text today is Judges 2:14-15:

So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he gave them over to plunderers, who plundered them. And he sold them into the hand of their surrounding enemies, so that they could no longer withstand their enemies. Whenever they marched out, the hand of the Lord was against them for harm, as the Lord had warned, and as the Lord had sworn to them. And they were in terrible distress. — Judges 2:14-15

God’s anger burned—not randomly, but righteously. Israel had abandoned him. Now, he lets them experience what life is like without his protection.

He gives them over to their enemies. He lets them experience defeat. Not because he’s cruel, but because he’s faithful. He’s a covenant-keeping God, even when keeping the covenant involves discipline.

“Whenever they marched out, the hand of the Lord was against them for harm…”

That’s a terrifying scripture. But God warned them multiple times. He told them what would happen. They didn’t believe him. They abused his grace, lived in blatant disobedience, and then worshipped other gods.

Sometimes the pain we feel isn’t an attack from the enemy—it’s the correction of a loving Father. But God doesn’t discipline us to destroy us. He does it to wake us up because he loves us.

When we disobey and rebel, he’ll often let us feel the weight of our choices. Not to shame but to shape us. Because the worst thing God could do is let us keep going casually and comfortably in the wrong direction.

So if you’re in distress right now, don’t just ask, “How do I escape this?” Ask, “What is God trying to teach me in this?”

His discipline is proof that he hasn’t given up on you. It means he still wants you, your heart, and your full surrender to him.

ASK THIS:

Is there a hardship I’m facing that may be tied to disobedience?
How have I misunderstood God’s discipline in the past?
What warning from God have I ignored for too long?
What step of repentance is He inviting me into today?
DO THIS:

Reflect on one area of hardship and ask God if it’s connected to something He’s trying to correct—and then respond with surrender.

PRAY THIS:
Lord, if I’m under Your discipline, I don’t want to waste it. Teach me what I need to learn and bring me back to You fully. Amen

PLAY THIS:
"Run to the Father."