Inspired by Judges Ch. 6-8
Have you ever felt like you were alone? Like no one could help you? There were none to call your own?
Today, we learn of Gideon, the hero. A man who was afraid and weak. A man who was afraid of keeping his losing streak.
Israel had struggled, for many years in fact. Doing evil in God’s eyes. They became impoverished because of their choice to be unwise.
Gideon was selected, found favor in the eyes of the Lord. But Gideon was baffled. There wasn’t a way he could fight with the sword.
The land was despairing. His family and he were weak. “How,” he asked, “is it me that You seek?”
An Angel of the Lord appeared. Telling him of the wonders he’d do. “It has been decided, the Lord will use you.”
“Where are these miracles?” Gideon proclaimed. “Why has all of this happened? Why has the Lord forsook our name?”
Not bothered at all, the Lord responded to him, “I have chosen you, child. You’ll win in the end.”
Gideon could not believe, despite the comforting words, that he could perceive what he was told would work.
“If I’ve found favor, please give me a sign,” he clasped his hands. “I’m the weakest of all around me, help me be able to stand.”
He gave an offering and immediately sees light. He sees the face of the Angel. “Okay, I have the strength to fight.”
“Tear down the altar of Baal,” commanded the Lord.
“I’ll do it at night,” Gideon agreed. “But I’ll obey Your word.”
By the next morning, the whole town knew. “Gideon tore down our altar! To his death,” the rumors flew.
“What about your own god,” Gideon’s father stepped out. “Why do you defend him? Or is it your god you doubt?”
This quieted the people and they left Gideon alone. Not before giving him a new namesake, reminding them of why they moan.
Despite him being saved, Gideon begins to doubt the Lord. “I’ll leave down this fleece,” he says, “to see if You’ll keep Your word.”
Twice the Lord used the fleece, to teach Gideon it’s true. But God took it a step farther. “Let Me separate the men who are with you.”
He knew the people of Israel and the evil in their heart. “I want to show them it is only through Me, that they’ve been set apart.”
Tens of thousands originally stood. But when the Lord was done, 300 remained standing.
“Okay, this looks good My son.”
Still, Gideon feared, with the numbers down. The Lord awoke him once more. “Take a servant and go into town.”
“You’ll hear your enemy’s words. The fears arising in their hearts. When you hear the truth, you’ll be strengthened not to depart.”
Gideon took a servant and overheard to his enemy’s cries. “The sword has been placed in Gideon’s hands!” Strengthened, Gideon overcomes his fear’s lies.
The enemy is overtaken, and Gideon’s battle is done.
The Lord will always use trials to show that He has already won.
Monthly Scripture: (NIV) Isaiah 40:31, “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
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Love this story and your approach. Great job!
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Thank you so much, that means a lot! I hope to get out more stories like this ❤
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One thing I love about this story is how God uses our personalities for His glory. Gideon who seems to be a proof seeker is named a hero of faith just like Abraham who needed no sign before obeying. God created us all differently and in our pursuit of Him, He uses everything for Him glory
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Amen! That is an amazing point! He uses His children where we are, we just need to be willing to step out, like Peter. Jesus will catch us where we fall. We just need to keep enduring as Christ says. ❤
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Excellent approach to conveying this story!
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Thank you so much! It means a lot 🙂
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Love it I will be sharing with our kids on Wednesday night.
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Oh, that’s exciting!!!
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A wonderful approach to the story, T.R.!
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Thank you ❤
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You’re welcome. 😄
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