When You Lose The War Because You Put God’s Name On Your Strategy | Judges 20:18-21

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Our text today is Judges 20:18-21.

The people of Israel arose and went up to Bethel and inquired of God, “Who shall go up first for us to fight against the people of Benjamin?” And the Lord said, “Judah shall go up first.”

Then the people of Israel rose in the morning and encamped against Gibeah. And the men of Israel went out to fight against Benjamin, and the men of Israel drew up the battle line against them at Gibeah. The people of Benjamin came out of Gibeah and destroyed on that day 22,000 men of the Israelites. — Judges 20:18-21

Israel goes to Bethel. Finally—they pray! But look closely. They don’t ask if they should go to war, only who should go first. Their minds are made up. They’re not seeking God’s direction; they only want God's endorsement.

It’s a subtle but dangerous difference. They don’t want divine wisdom—they want divine approval. They’re still fighting the wrong battle in the wrong way.

And God allows them to go. He tells them, “Judah shall go up first.” It sounds like victory—but it isn’t. Israel loses 22,000 men that day. Their zeal was high, their numbers were strong, and their cause was just—but their hearts were wrong. They inquired of God, but they never repented to Him.

Believers are guilty of doing this all the time. We ask God to bless our careers, our goals, our posts, our politics—without ever asking if they align with God's will. We quote Scripture but don’t surrender to it. We wear God's name but pursue our own plans.

Israel’s defeat wasn’t because God failed—it’s because His people fought without surrender. And that’s a battle you’ll always lose.

Maybe your defeats aren’t setbacks; maybe they’re invitations. God lets us lose when he wants to lead us back to him. He loves us way too much to let us keep winning our way.

Before you go to battle, ask: Am I fighting God’s enemy—or just my own?

ASK THIS:

1. Have I mistaken God’s permission for His blessing?
2. When was the last time I surrendered my agenda before seeking God’s help?
3. Where am I fighting a battle that God never called me to fight?
4. What would it look like to let humility lead instead of pride?

DO THIS:

• Before you act, pray: “Lord, am I fighting Your battle or mine?”
• Identify one area where you’ve asked for God’s approval but not His direction. Surrender it today.

PRAY THIS:

Lord, forgive me for fighting battles You never called me to fight. Teach me to seek Your direction before demanding Your blessing. Lead me to surrender so that every victory brings You glory—not me. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

“Lead Me to the Cross.”