Faith That Fails—And What Comes Next | Judges 2:19-23

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Our text today is Judges 2:19-23:

But whenever the judge died, they turned back and were more corrupt than their fathers, going after other gods, serving them and bowing down to them. They did not drop any of their practices or their stubborn ways. So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he said, 'Because this people have transgressed my covenant that I commanded their fathers and have not obeyed my voice, I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations that Joshua left when he died, in order to test Israel by them, whether they will take care to walk in the way of the Lord as their fathers did, or not.' So the Lord left those nations, not driving them out quickly, and he did not give them into the hand of Joshua. — Judges 2:19-23

Here’s where the cycle begins. And it’s not just disobedience—it’s downward.

After every judge died, Israel didn’t just fall back—they went deeper into sin. More corrupt. More stubborn. More defiant.

The pattern was clear: rescue… relapse… repeat.

And God finally says, “I’m not removing the enemies anymore.” Not out of abandonment, but refinement. He leaves the nations in place, not to punish them, but to test them.

God wanted to see: would Israel follow him without the pressure of a judge? Would obedience come from the heart, or only when someone was watching?

That’s a question every one of us has to answer.

God’s goal wasn’t just external behavior. It was an internal transformation. However, without repentance, the people continued to cling to their old ways. They worshiped idols. They refused to drop their stubborn habits. And the consequences followed.

Sometimes, God allows particular struggles to persist—not because he’s absent, but because he’s refining us. He wants your character, not just your compliance. He wants faithfulness that endures, not obedience driven by fear.

So if you feel like you’re facing the same battles again and again, don’t just pray for escape. Pray for endurance. Ask God what he's trying to reveal—and what he wants you to release.

ASK THIS:

1. What old habits or stubborn ways do I keep returning to?
2. Have I been relying on people more than God's presence?
3. What might God be testing in me right now?
4. Am I asking God to remove the battle—or to strengthen me in it?

DO THIS:

Identify one recurring battle in your life, and ask God what character trait he’s developing through it.

PRAY THIS:

Lord, don’t let me waste the tests You allow. Use them to refine me, deepen my faith, and reveal what needs to change. Amen

PLAY THIS:

"Refiner."