Rushing Ahead of God | Judges 13:6-14

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Our text today is Judges 13:6-14

Then the woman came and told her husband, “A man of God came to me, and his appearance was like the appearance of the angel of God, very awesome. I did not ask him where he was from, and he did not tell me his name, but he said to me, ‘Behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. So then drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb to the day of his death.’”

Then Manoah prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord, please let the man of God whom you sent come again to us and teach us what we are to do with the child who will be born.”

And God listened to the voice of Manoah, and the angel of God came again to the woman as she sat in the field. But Manoah her husband was not with her. So the woman ran quickly and told her husband, “Behold, the man who came to me the other day has appeared to me.” And Manoah arose and went after his wife and came to the man and said to him, “Are you the man who spoke to this woman?” And he said, “I am.” And Manoah said, “Now when your words come true, what is to be the child’s manner of life, and what is his mission?” And the angel of the Lord said to Manoah, “Of all that I said to the woman let her be careful. She may not eat of anything that comes from the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, or eat any unclean thing. All that I commanded her let her observe.” — Judges 13:6-14

After hearing the angel’s message, Manoah’s wife ran to tell him. This was big news—life-changing news for their family and nation. But instead of rushing forward, Manoah did something vital: he prayed. He asked God to send the messenger again, to teach them how to raise the child.

That’s powerful leadership. Manoah didn’t assume he knew best. He didn’t sprint ahead with his own ideas. He stopped. He prayed. And God answered, sending the angel back to confirm the call and lay down clear boundaries for Samson’s anointing.

We all face the temptation of rushing ahead of God. We want quick answers. We want control. We want the whole plan mapped out. But rushing often leads to regret. Faith calls us to pause, pray, and wait.

Manoah shows us the better way. He slowed down and sought God’s guidance. That’s what leaders do. That’s what fathers and mothers do. That’s what faithful followers of Christ do. They wait for God to speak before they move.

When you rush, you risk missing God’s wisdom. But when you pause and pray, you put yourself in a position to receive it. Don’t sprint ahead—let the Lord lead step by step.

ASK THIS:

Where am I tempted to rush ahead of God right now?
Do I pray for clarity—or just act and hope for the best?
How would slowing down and seeking Him first change my next decision?
DO THIS:
Before you make your next move, stop. Pray. Ask God for clarity in His Word, and wait for His leading before you take action.

PRAY THIS:
Lord, guard me from rushing ahead of You. Teach me to trust Your timing, listen for Your voice, and move only when You lead. Amen.

PLAY THIS:
“Wait On You.”