We see in Judges 6 the same pattern we have seen so often thus far. The people sin, and they fall into slavery and oppression. But we see something different today. We see a prophet warn them not to worship the gods of their neighbors. They are told to worship God alone. But the challenge is hard. It’s hard for them to lose everything.  It is hard to hold onto God when things are hard. Faith is easy when it is easy. It is hard when it is hard. We face the same challenges in our lives as well. 

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Good morning!
It’s good to be with you today. I’m in a bit of a different place this morning—recording from home instead of the office. So you’re getting a glimpse of the lovely Stoddard family living room. I’m sure the dogs will soon begin singing the songs of their people, and for some reason, my son’s alarm clock is going off—despite the fact that he doesn’t have school today. Welcome to our normal, everyday routine.

Today we’re reading Judges 6:1–10, the beginning of the story of Gideon, one of the most well-known judges. In this passage, we get a clear sense of the situation Israel finds itself in and the spiritual struggle at the heart of their suffering.

The Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord gave them into the hand of Midian for seven years. The Midianites were ruthless. Whenever the Israelites planted crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other eastern peoples would swarm in—destroying the land, stealing the harvest, and leaving the Israelites with nothing. Scripture compares them to locusts—an image that speaks volumes. Locusts were one of the greatest threats to subsistence farmers in Israel because once they devoured your crops, you had no safety net. You couldn’t replant in time. You were left vulnerable, hungry, and helpless.

The Israelites cried out to God. And in response, God sent a prophet. The prophet reminded them of everything God had done—bringing them out of Egypt, freeing them from slavery, driving out their enemies—and reminded them of God’s command: “I am the Lord your God. You shall not pay reverence to the gods of the Amorites in whose land you live. But you have not listened to my voice.”

This moment reveals a spiritual crisis. God had told them clearly not to worship the Canaanite gods—especially the Baals, who were seen as fertility and harvest gods. But in their fear and desperation, the Israelites gave in. They turned to false gods—not out of outright rebellion, but out of panic. They thought, if we don’t get a harvest, we die. Maybe these other gods can help us.

And that’s the heart of the temptation, isn’t it?

Faith is easy when life is easy. When the road is smooth and the waters are calm, trusting God feels simple. But when hardship comes—when there’s not enough money, not enough peace, not enough hope—then faith is harder. In fact, sometimes it feels almost impossible. That’s when we’re tempted to grasp at anything that might help—even if it means turning from the God we know.

And let’s be honest: sometimes the mess we’re in is our own fault. That was true for Israel. Yet here’s what’s so beautiful about Judges: even when they got themselves into trouble, God still heard them. Over and over again in this book, the people cry out, and God responds.

Even when they’ve failed again and again.
Even when they’ve fallen back into old sins.
Even when they’ve ignored Him.
God still listens. God still saves.

So what does that mean for us?

It means if today is a hard day—if faith feels like a struggle, if you’re tempted to give up, if you’re wondering whether God will hear you again—the answer is yes. Yes, He hears. Yes, He forgives. Yes, He responds.

So turn to Him. Even if you feel like you’ve messed up too many times. Even if your prayers feel weak or uncertain. Especially when it’s hardest—that’s when faith matters most.

Judges reminds us that God is always faithful, even when we are not. He is ready to restore, ready to forgive, ready to act on behalf of His people.

So lean in. Pray. Trust again. God is there, even when it’s hard.

Thanks for being with us today. We’ll be back Monday morning to continue the story of Gideon. Have a great day—and a great weekend!