5 Lessons from Gideon
in Scripture. I’ve hidden and I’ve run away. It didn’t work for them and it hasn’t worked for me either.
Gideon and Jonah. He gives them second and third chances. God has always pursued
me with love and patience, no matter how many times it took to get my
attention.
1. God’s always nearby.
Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing
wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. Judges 6:11
hopeless. I’m sure he thought God had turned His back on him and walked off.
But God was there, sitting nearby, under a tree. Unfortunately, Gideon couldn’t
see Him because he was hiding down in a hole.
bed. Several years ago, my husband and I entered December with the possibility
of one or both of us being laid off on December 31. I assumed the worse and
decided it was all hopeless. I couldn’t see God because I was deep in the hole
of fear. Well, Charlie was laid off but I wasn’t. I was still panicked, but we tightened our belts until we were almost cut in half and we managed until Charlie found a new job. Just like with Gideon, God was nearby.
I don’t know what “Midianites” are attacking your life: financial problems, broken relationships, physical or mental illness. I beg you to lift your eyes above your circumstances and look for God. He is there! It might not be easy, it might not be comfortable, and you might sometimes let fear get the better of you, but God never leaves you or abandons you.
He was and is always
faithful!
“The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.” Judges 6:12
warriors hide in winepresses. In fact, over the next few verses, Gideon
describes himself as the least of the least. Gideon doesn’t think very highly
of himself.
been laid off and felt pretty useless and worthless. Over then next few months,
God shocked me, “ I’m with you, Bible-study author.” I responded much the same
way Gideon did, “Are you kidding? I can’t do that! I don’t know how!”
what Gideon could be if he surrendered himself to God. And, later in the story,
Gideon became what God proclaimed him to be: a mighty warrior. And, guess what
– a couple years later, I became what God said I would be: a Bible-study
author!
You might feel like a coward or loser, but trust me, you are not! When God looks at you, He sees your potential in Him. God saw Gideon as a mighty warrior because He knew Gideon would be one. What does God call you? Great parent, mighty nurse or doctor, excellent friend or family member, outstanding Walmart associate. Whatever you are God sees you at your best. Close you eyes and see yourself as God sees you. Tape those words to your bathroom mirror and the rear view mirror in your car.
You ARE who God says you are!
I promise you, I’m not afraid, either. I’ve asked Him “Why,” “When,” “What are You doing?” and several others. Even Jesus asked God, “Why have you forsaken me?” from the cross (Matthew 27:46).
You might have lots of questions about your life. Go ahead and ask them – but then listen for the answers. Gideon didn’t turn His back on the angel of the LORD after he questioned Him. He listened for His answer. God can use our questions to teach us and to reveal Himself to us.
4. God enables us to act when He calls us.
Gideon thought he was totally unqualified and that God had called the wrong person. But God answered his fears, “I will be with you.” God wasn’t going to snap His fingers and defeat the Midianites. He was going to walk beside Gideon as he went into battle.
You might wade through the floods but you won’t drown because God is with you.
You can walk through fire but you won’t be burned because God is with you.
These promises are in Isaiah 43:2-3 and they have carried me through many a crisis.
- Hold on to God’s promise of His presence.
- Believe in His power to enable you.
- Have faith that He is victorious through Jesus Christ.
This post is drawn from my Bible study, Storms of Life. This might be a great Bible study for your ladies group.
If these words bless you, please share!
Raccoon photo: morguefile.com
Who me?: depositphotos.com
God is with you: 1illustratinglady
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