Judges 1: 1-15
After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the Lord, “Which tribe should go first to attack the Canaanites?” The Lord answered, Judah, for I have given them victory over the land” (vs. 1-2, New Living Translation).

After the death of Joshua, the Israelites knew they had to move on. They had a desire to move to the next level but they did not know how. So, they sought the Lord and God spoke to them. He gave them a strategy and the expected result (see Judges 1: 2-3).

Friend, just as death signifies the end of a man, an era or a thing, the end of a year signifies the end to an era. It is time to seek God for direction on what we need to do and how we can advance in life. In other words, we need winning strategies to walk in God’s purpose this year. God wants us to win (see Proverbs 2: 6-8; Jeremiah 29:11)

Several winning strategies are hidden in the passage we read. It is my hope and belief that as we apply them, the Lord will lead us on level ground and we will begin to gain victory.

Know the First Step: Friend, there is a first thing to do in every situation. We need to ask God for it. Ask the Lord to show you which project or assignment you need to do first. What you think should be first, may not be what He wants you to do first. Ask God, He will show you (see Proverbs 20:27; Jeremiah 33:3).

Start with Praise: God told the Israelites, “Judah’s troops will go first” (vs. 2, God’s Word Translation). Judah means “praise”. Friend, we can never go wrong with praise and thanksgiving. Worship God with faith because you know He will lead you. When you praise God, He will help you to accomplish more than you could do alone.

Seek Help: God created us to function as a community – we are not meant to live alone. We need others. We need to network and collaborate with others, seek help and support. Men of Judah demonstrated this for us. Together with the Simeonites, they overcame the enemy and took over their lands. We win when we stand together (see vs. 3-11).

Pursue Until You Win: Judah’s troops pursued their enemies and defeated them. We must sustain our determination to accomplish our dreams. Some Adoni-zedek may escape but we must not let them go. If we keep at it, we will capture them.

Embrace New Challenges: Many times hidden in them are opportunities for growth. Caleb gave a challenge, Othniel took it. He believed he could handle it. He did and got more than was initially promised (see vs. 12-13).

Have a growth mindset: Life is not stagnant. Keep reaching forward. Continually assess where you are and seek opportunities to increase your present state. Look for ways to increase your influence – improve your talents or do more with what you have been given. Our God is the God of more. Othniel and his wife lived this truth (see vs. 14-15).

May the Lord enlarge these words in your heart. Shalom.

YOUR TURN

• Thank God for this word of faith and power.
• Take some moment to think and look for ways you could apply these truths.
• Talk to God about the dreams He has placed in your heart for 2016.