Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord. So, the Lord delivered them into the hand of Midian for seven years (Judges 6:1-2). The Midianites drove them into caves, stole all their provisions, both produce and livestock. All their labor vanished before their eyes and they were helpless. Yet, when they turned their eyes once more to God, He sent a mighty warrior to save them. Not all had turned from their idolatrous worship. In fact, Gideons own family were worshipping the idol of Baal. Gideon was not a man of stature nor great courage; but he was the one God chose. The Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!” (Judges 6:12). Gideon questioned God. “Why have you allowed such devastation?” Yet, God’s reply: “Have I not sent you?” (Judges 6:14).
Gideon saw himself as weak and unworthy, so he questioned God’s choice. He even questioned whether it really was God who spoke to him. Quite patiently God confirmed His presence and that He would be with Gideon. He would be the strength and the victory. Once Gideon was assured that it was certainly God who called him, he was willing. Yet, he was filled with fear. Not the mighty warrior one would think of. Each of us are called to be Ambassadors of God, mighty warriors spreading the gospel to the world by standing strong in our faith through love. Our battle is a spiritual battle; yet, God is there to guide us each step of the way as He presented the blueprint for our battle gear in Ephesians 6:10-20.
Mighty Warrior Facing Fear
Once Gideon was certain that it was God who spoke to him, he was willing to go. We must spend hours in scripture and prayer to ascertain that we have heard God’s command clearly and that it came from Him. Asking God for a sign is not a lack of faith. The Holy Spirit does whisper to us, guiding us. Yet, we know that Satan also whispers lies; so, we must be certain whose voice we are following. To do that we must first realize God will never tell us to do something that goes against scripture. Look closely at our battle gear. Our minds must be protected by the helmet of salvation and our shield of faith. God was not angry with Gideon for wanting to confirm it was really God who had spoken to him.
Gideon’s first task as ordered by God was to destroy the altar built to Baal and build one to God. But because he feared his father’s household and the men of the city too much to do it by day, he did it by night. (Judges 6:27). Following and doing God’s will can at times be frightening. Certainly, God had said He would be with Gideon. Yet, Gideon knew the Baal worshippers would be angry. Are we not faced by angry mobs who would want to destroy our testimony for Christ? Note that Gideon did not confront these angry mobs. He did worship God despite the angry mobs. Sometimes, our best testimony is to continue to do good giving all Glory to God, regardless of the angry mobs. Worshipping and praising God, with love, kindness, honor, and virtue brings others to see God’s Glory through us,
I Peter 2:11-19
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
Concluding Thoughts
Next time we will look further into Gideon’s call and his desire to be certain of God’s will. Yet, for now, what is God calling you to do? We know that He has called each of us to be mighty warriors in defending the truth of the gospel. Not through argument or anger for that does not defend the truth. Rather we are to live our life in such a manner that others might see Christ and thus desire Him.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; Because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Previous Posts to Consider
How to Transform Victims to Warriors by Reason of Truth
Out of the Nothingness that is Me
How to Know Peace and Joy When Life is Devastating
Facing Life’s Battles with Faith and Hope
How to Stand Firm, Unmoveable in an Angry World
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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