The Lord answered, “Judah shall go up; I have given the land into their hands.”
Judges 1:2 NIV
In life’s defining moments—when decisions weigh heavily on our hearts or challenges feel overwhelming—one question matters more than we realise: “Did God send you?” This simple yet profound question can mean the difference between peace and confusion, or between victory and defeat.
After Joshua’s death, the Israelites faced a major decision. And instead of charging forward in their own strength, they asked God who should lead the battle against the Canaanites. The Lord responded clearly: “Judah shall go up; I have delivered the land into his hand.”
God didn’t leave them to figure things out on their own. He gave them a specific direction and tied it to a promise of victory. That promise wasn’t based on their might, but on His authority. The moment He said, “Judah shall go up,” the outcome was settled. The battle already belonged to Him.
This truth is just as important today. Many believers enter battles—whether emotional, spiritual, financial, or relational—without ever asking, “Did God send me?” At times, we act out of fear, pressure, or haste. We rush in because an opportunity seems too good to miss, or because we feel we must act quickly. But when we move without God’s leading, we often find ourselves overwhelmed, confused, and discouraged.
The Bible is filled with examples of people who succeeded because they moved when God sent them. David, the shepherd boy, stood before Goliath not to make a name for himself, but because he knew the battle belonged to God. With confidence, he declared, “The battle is the Lord’s,” and faced his enemy in God’s name. Similarly, King Jehoshaphat led Judah to seek God when a vast army threatened them. God reassured him, saying, “The battle is not yours, but God’s.” As the people worshipped, God turned their enemies against one another. (2 Chronicles 20:15-23)
But Scripture also shows what happens when people act without God’s instruction. After rejecting God’s command to enter the Promised Land, the Israelites later tried to correct their mistake by going up anyway. Moses warned them that the Lord wasn’t with them, but they went and suffered a crushing defeat. Even Moses, in a moment of frustration, struck the rock instead of speaking to it as God had commanded. Though water flowed, his disobedience cost him dearly—he couldn’t enter the Promised Land.
These stories remind us that success doesn’t come from effort alone. It flows from God’s presence and guidance. The key isn’t how passionate or prepared we feel. The key is simple: Did God send you?
This principle applies to every part of life. Consider someone who takes a job only because of the high salary. Over time, the job drains their joy, clouds their purpose, and leaves them empty. Now think of someone else who accepts a less prestigious role after prayer and sensing God’s peace. That person flourishes—energised, fruitful, and fulfilled—because they’re walking where God placed them. One followed human reasoning. The other followed divine direction.
When God sends you, every step has meaning. The road may be tough, but His peace travels with you. His strength supports you. His provision meets you. But if you go on your own, weariness follows. You strive without fruit, fight without clarity and eventually, burn out without joy.
Proverbs 3:5–6 offers timeless counsel: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Romans 8:14 says, “Those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” And Jesus reminds us in John 15:5, “Apart from Me, you can do nothing.”
So, before you step into something new or respond to the next big challenge, pause and ask: Did God send me? If the answer is yes, go boldly. Like Judah, you carry God’s promise and His presence. But if you haven’t asked yet—or you’re unsure—be still. Seek Him in prayer, reflect on His Word, and speak with those who walk closely with Him. His “yes” will bring peace. His silence invites you to wait.
The safest and most powerful place to be isn’t in the centre of opportunity—it’s in the centre of His will. That’s where you’ll find peace, purpose, and lasting victory. Because when God sends, He sustains.