
The Crosswalk Devotional: A Daily Devotional Chris... - Faithfully Led by Christ
How can you know when to trust your own instincts and when to wait for God’s guidance? When conflict, difficult decisions, or emotional situations arise, self-reliance can cause us to act or react before seeking God’s wisdom. Judges 1:1-4 offers a powerful picture of what it looks like to turn to God first, ask for His direction, and faithfully follow where He leads. Following Christ doesn’t mean we will always know exactly what to do or receive an immediate answer. God often guides us through Scripture, prayer, the Holy Spirit, and the wisdom of other believers. As we consistently seek Him in everyday circumstances, we become more attentive to His direction when bigger challenges arise. Learning to follow Christ requires practice, humility, and trust, but we can rest in the assurance that we don’t have to figure out every step on our own. Highlights Why self-reliance can lead us to act or react before seeking God’s guidance What Judges 1:1-4 teaches about turning to God for direction How prayer and Scripture help us develop greater spiritual discernment Why God’s guidance may come through Scripture, other believers, or the Holy Spirit How practicing dependence on God in everyday situations prepares us for bigger challenges What James 1:5 teaches about asking God for wisdom without fear of criticism Encouragement to trust Christ’s leadership rather than trying to figure out every step on your own Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Faithfully Led by Christ By: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading: After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the Lord, “Who of us is to go up first to fight against the Canaanites?” - Judges 1:1. Some of my deepest relational wounds were self-inflicted. I’m presently dealing with the painful aftereffects of a situation I created through self-reliance. That’s not to say I never prayed for God’s guidance, or that I didn’t try to follow His lead. I did, frequently. But I also acted on my emotions and perspectives far too often, particularly during times of conflict. Because of this, at times, I did and said things that hurt the other person and damaged our relationship. In fact, when I consider some of my most painful experiences, I recognize that I brought many of them on myself by acting before receiving God’s guidance, His perspective on the situation, or His strength to love others as He loves me. That’s one reason I find the book of Judges so comforting, because it highlights God’s grace despite humanity’s persistent rebellion. The people started their new season in the Promised Land well. The Israel
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