Strife. Judges 6:6. “And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites, and the children of Israel cried unto the Lord.” It came from not too far away and from those of ancient kin. In a short time, it spread, causing fear because strife has a terrible effect on those who try to stay independent from God. It can potentially divide God’s people, from the leaders to those at home. Strife doesn’t stand alone; it brings many other sins that come with it to destroy a work God Himself began. With strife come doubts and fears that attack and try to defeat God’s people and His work before it can be finished. Defeating strife happens when God’s people stand together and face the problem, instead of ignoring it. We must deal with the cause that brought it and see what we did wrong. Then, we must pick ourselves up, move past the evil effects of strife, and work to shut it out.
Israel believed their trouble was caused by Midian because they didn’t want to face their own wrong choices. So, God sent strife to make them stop and listen to His voice. Too often, we look at others and blame them, ignoring our own responsibility and complaining about our “unfair situation.” When we are willing to admit I am part of the problem and pray before God, we won’t move forward until we set this right; then God intervenes to end the division and pain. Hopefully, the difficult event will give us insight and teach us lessons so it doesn’t happen again. How sad it is when we must learn the same lesson over and over. It’s a result of pride, self-interest, or sin that we try to hide. Maybe we can learn if we pay attention to the damage caused and address issues early before they grow.
A possible scene: It has happened again, oh why didn't I act wisely at first? Tension and conflict have arisen, and our fellowship has shattered like a balloon. We avoid meeting face to face and discussing the issue. Just crossing paths, even at a distance, is bothersome. Strife tends to erase all the good we once saw in each other, and its ultimate goal is to impoverish and divide brothers. It is a tool of darkness, using suspicion and conflict to hinder and even block the influence of a well-lived, joyful Christian life.
What do we need, where can we turn, and how can this nonsense come to an end? Why doesn't someone come and preach and pass judgment on that brother? Clearly, the reason for the problem is that other man's attitude. He and his group don't show the slightest gratitude for all I have done. We need a deliverer to come and set us free from this conflict. Then, we can go back to being the kind of people we are meant to be. What do you mean the problem might be with me? I'm not the one at fault! He must be held accountable for not appreciating all the good I've done!
Then comes the prophet, the man who speaks for God and sees beyond words to address the root problem. He points out my faults and failures, the self-centeredness I've been unaware of. Then, in words that convict my conscience and those who follow, he speaks plainly to me; it hits me like a hammer blow—the problem is one I chose not to see. I am the one who needs to confess to my brother and make amends. I am the one on whom the restoration to warm fellowship again depends. I previously ignored the voice of God that speaks to my seared conscience. But now, to end this strife and division, I implore God Himself for mercy.