Introduction

Good morning, friends. We gather here today under the shelter of His grace. We're here to share and learn. To grow and to be nurtured. We're here to find strength. A strength that is not our own, but a strength that comes from above. G.K. Chesterton once said, "Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die." As we seek courage and strength today, we remember that our source is not from this world, but from our Sovereign Lord.

Strength Sourced from the Sovereign

When we read the story of Gideon, we see a man who was initially weak and fearful, hiding from his enemies. Yet, he was called by God to be a mighty warrior. This is a clear demonstration of how our strength does not come from ourselves, but from God. It's not about our abilities, our skills, or our courage. It's about God's power working through us.

The first thing we need to understand is that our strength comes from God. It's not about our physical strength or our mental strength. It's about the strength that God gives us. This is a spiritual strength that can only come from a relationship with God. It's a strength that allows us to face challenges, overcome obstacles, and achieve victory.

Secondly, we need to recognize that this strength is not something we can earn or achieve on our own. It's a gift from God. We can't work harder to get it. We can't study more to attain it. It's not about what we do, but about what God does in us and through us.

Thirdly, this strength is not dependent on our circumstances. Gideon was facing a powerful enemy. His people were oppressed and impoverished. Yet, in the midst of these difficult circumstances, God called him to be a mighty warrior. This shows us that our strength is not determined by what's happening around us, but by who is with us.

Finally, we need to understand that this strength is for a purpose. God didn't give Gideon strength just so he could feel better about himself. He gave him strength so he could deliver his people from the oppression of the Midianites. In the same way, God gives us strength not just for our own benefit, but so we can serve others and accomplish His purposes.

Together Triumphs in Trials

As we continue to reflect on the passage from Judges, we find ourselves in the company of Gideon, a man who, like many of us, questioned his ability to face the trials before him ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO