Thought

Some people might want to give Gideon a hard time for needing so much reassurance from God. But we should put ourselves in Gideon’s sandals. He clearly didn’t have a high opinion of himself, and he’d been living among people who had been oppressed and terrorized for years. From an earthly perspective, Gideon was the last person in the world God should have chosen to be His warrior. But God often uses unlikely people to do incredible things for His kingdom. We can always trust God’s choices and His plan, no matter what.

Word

Judges 6:14 NIV

The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”

Question

In your own words, what did God say?

Gideon asked a question that many people ask today when hard things are happening: “If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?” But God had already answered this question through His prophet in verses 6:7–10. In your own words, what did God say?

Challenge

Even though Gideon doubted himself, he trusted God. He trusted God because he talked with Him (through His messenger). He trusted God because he watched and recognized what God could do. And he trusted God because God understood him. God knew Gideon was still afraid, right up to the moments before he was supposed to strike the camp of Midian. Think about some good thing you’ve wanted to do but doubted that you were able to do. Try talking with God about it, noticing what God has done in the lives of others, and remembering that God loves you and knows you. Gather strength to take a step toward your goal by trusting every step to God.

Prayer

God, I know You are with me, even when I’m afraid. Please help me trust You to protect me and make me strong to fight the battles You want me to fight. Amen.