Series: Spiritual Decay [#5]
A CALL TO COURAGE
Judges 6:33-40
Introduction:
Our text today continues in the story about Gideon. God called Gideon to deliver Israel from the Midianites. These verses reveal the struggles and doubts of Gideon; but they also highlight the patience and faithfulness of God in dealing with our fears. The Israelites were in a terrible situation with the Midianites- Their land was being destroyed and they were hiding in fear. Gideon was hiding in a winepress and threshing wheat. He was just trying to survive and help his family survive.
When the Angel of the Lord approached Gideon, calling him a “mighty warrior,” it must have sounded absurd to him. “Here I am, hiding and afraid,” Gideon must have thought; and yet, God saw potential in a fearful heart. God often calls us not based on our current state; but on the purpose He has placed within us.
Judges 6:33-34
God gives us courage through…
1. The empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
In verse 34, we read, “Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Gideon.” This is a pivotal moment- Gideon is transformed from a man of fear into a leader. The Spirit empowers him to blow the trumpet, rallying the troops, and step boldly into the fray. This is a reminder for us that we do not face our fears alone. The same Spirit that empowered Gideon is available to us today.
Judges 6:35-40
God gives us courage through…
2. His understanding.
Even after this divine empowerment, Gideon is still uncertain. He devises his own tests- Laying out a fleece, asking God for signs. It’s important to understand that Gideon’s request for signs is not just a lack of faith; it’s a human response to uncertainty. How often do we seek assurance before we take a leap of faith? We want clarity, we want to be certain that we are following God’s will.
God meets Gideon where he is. He doesn’t scold Gideon for his lack of faith; but instead, provides the signs he requests. God understands that our journey of faith is often filled with doubt and fear. He meets us in our humanity, offering us gentle reassurance.
Conclusion:
We are given some lessons from Gideon’s fleeces.
* God understands our weakness.
Just as God understood Gideon’s fears and provided signs, He understands our struggles. We are often overwhelmed by life’s challenges; and it is o.k. to cry out for help and clarity. God invites us to bring our fears into His presence, knowing that He will answer us.
* Faith is a journey.
Gideon’s journey teaches us that faith is not a 1 time decision; but an ongoing process. Gideon needed reassurance multiple times, and that’s o.k. God is patient with us as we navigate through our doubts.
* The call to courage.
Gideon eventually overcame his fears and stepped into his role as a leader, and so must we. God does not call the equipped; He equips the called. Our calling might not always come with a clear path, but it comes with the promise of His presence. We are called to rise in courage, trusting that God will provide what we need when we need it.
