Be the OneSample

Who needs help?

Have you ever read the book of Judges? It’s a fascinating read full of unlikely heroes. That’s what a judge is in this Bible book—a seemingly unqualified choice to deliver God’s people.

The Israelites needed help repeatedly in Judges. They made terrible life choices and ran from God. They repented, and God sent a judge to deliver them. But then—WHAM!—they fell right back into their old ways.

Who does that sound like? Whom do you love who has a repetitive story line of addiction, destructive anger, habitual lying, or terrible life choices? Who keeps breaking your heart?

It hurts. It’s hard. You hurt for that person.

This devotion and the next few devotions are about you being a judge for that person. Not a judge who slams down a gavel and gives a verdict. This is about being a judge (like in the book of Judges) called by God to deliver those trapped and overpowered. God gives us this specific command in Galatians 6:2: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” God is calling your heart to deliver a message of peace and hope and powerful restoration to that loved one in need. It starts with prayer.

Lord Jesus, someone I love is hurting in sinful decisions. Interrupt any evil plans the devil has against them. Fill them with a yearning for help. I pray this confidently in your name, Jesus, the healer of the helpless and Savior of the needy. Amen.