“The Spirit of the Lord came on him, so that he became Israel’s judge and went to war. The Lord gave Cushan-Rishathaim king of Aram into the hands of Othniel, who overpowered him. So the land had peace for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died(Judg. 3:10-11).”
God left several nations in Canaan to test and train Israel. When the Israelites, who had forgotten God in times of peace, cried out in their distress, God raised Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother as the first deliverer. Othniel was already a prepared man who had proven his faith during the conquest of Hebron. When the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, he rescued the people from the king of Mesopotamia, who had oppressed them for eight years, and brought forty years of peace to the land.
Othniel’s life shows us what “prepared faith” looks like. He wasn’t a hero who appeared out of thin air. He was someone who watched and learned from a great mentor like Caleb on how to take hold of the promised land, and he acted without hesitation when small opportunities for obedience arose. God poured His Holy Spirit upon such a man and used him as a channel to save an entire era.
The reality we face today is as chaotic as the time of the Judges. Yet, God is still looking for that “one person” like Othniel. He is not looking for someone with grand abilities, but someone who trusts in His promise and silently practices obedience in the small place assigned to them. We cannot overcome this giant-like world with our own strength, but when the Spirit of the Lord comes upon us, the situation is reversed.
Today, I desire to be a “prepared Othniel.” Rather than seeking immediate, great victories, I want to focus on the small acts of obedience given to me today. I will hold onto the essence of the Word rather than the non-essentials. When I do, the Lord will bring true peace to this land through me. Relying not on my own power but on the authority of the Holy Spirit, I take my step of faith today.