Series: Spiritual Decay [#4]
STRENGTH OF THE WEAK
Judges 6:1-32
Introduction:
My health has been a real challenge lately. I feel physically weak, which makes me feel emotionally weak, which makes me feel spiritually weak. The great news is- When I am weak, God is made strong in me. We serve a God sees our struggles, our fears, and our potential. In a World where we often feel inadequate, trapped by our circumstances or overwhelmed by our fears, Gideon’s story serves as a reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or issues to accomplish His will.
Judges 6:1-10
When you are weak…
1. Acknowledge your struggles.
The Israelites, (once a thriving Nation), had fallen into a cycle of disobedience, leading to oppression by the Midianites. They cried out to God because they were being destroyed, their land was being destroyed, and their hope was being destroyed. Do not forget that the Israelites put themselves in this situation because they would not follow God. A cycle of disobedience from us will lead towards the same types of difficulties and defeats.
When they could not stand it anymore, they cried out to God. This is a crucial turning point. The Lord does not abandon us in our struggles; rather, He is attentive to our cries. Just as He heard the Israelites, He hears us today. In our worst moments, when we feel lost and overwhelmed, we must remember that God is waiting for us to call out to Him.
Judges 6:11-16
When you are weak…
2. Respond to God’s call.
Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress, (not the place for the job). He was hiding from the Midianites, afraid of what might happen. In this moment of fear, an angel of the Lord appears and greets Gideon with words that challenge his perceptions: “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” Imagine the shock Gideon must have experienced. Here he was, hiding in fear; and yet God saw something in him that he could not see in himself.
Gideon’s response reveals a truth about fear. He questions God's presence, asking, “If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?” Gideon’s conversation with God is raw and honest. It is a reminder that we can come to God with our doubts. How often do we allow our fears to dictate our actions? Fear can paralyze us, trapping us in a mindset where we view ourselves as inadequate. Yet, God calls us to rise above those fears, to see ourselves as He sees us- Strong and capable.
God is not looking for the most qualified- He is seeking willing hearts. Like Gideon, we might feel unworthy or not prepared for the tasks God places before us; but remember that God equips the called. He does not ask us to rely on our strength but on His.
Judges 6:17-24
When you are weak…
3. Trust in God's presence.
Gideon was still unsure, so he asked for a sign to confirm God's promise. This is a critical point in his life. God did not scold Gideon for his doubts; instead, He accommodated them. Gideon’s request for a sign demonstrated a desire for certainty in uncertainty. How many of us find ourselves in similar positions? Seeking clarity amidst the uncertainty of life’s challenges? God graciously responds, showing Gideon that He is indeed with him.
After receiving his confirmation, Gideon builds an altar to the Lord, naming it “The Lord is Peace”. Here, we see the transformation of fear into faith. This moment signifies more than just a personal victory; it represents a turning point for the entire Nation of Israel. When we anchor our faith in God, we lay the foundations for peace not only in our lives but in the lives of those around us.
Conclusion:
I want you to consider how you are like Gideon. What fears are holding you back? What challenges seem insurmountable? Take heart- Just as God transformed a timid farmer into a mighty warrior, He can turn your fears into faith, and your struggles into strength.
