Post by Cindy on Mar 30, 2016 6:48:17 GMT -5
Gideon is hiding in a winepress when God addresses him: “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.” Gideon seems as surprised as we are. God chose that less-than-courageous circumstance to tell Gideon that he would save Israel. Gideon, unconvinced, asks for a sign to assure him that God is speaking to him. He asks if the angel of the Lord would stay for a meal as proof, and the Lord graciously stays. Later Gideon asks for more proof. He asks God to wet a fleece but not the ground around it. God complies. God shows us the weakness of his chosen vessel and, more importantly, his kind concern in the face of Gideon’s doubt and unbelief.
God anticipates Gideon’s faith battle and builds his confidence by infiltrating the minds of his enemies. Gideon can no longer doubt future victory when he hears the enemy prophesy their own defeat. God never berates Gideon for his lack of faith. Instead, he stoops ever lower to give him the faith to believe. Gideon’s need for encouragement remains a constant, and God keeps intensifying his responses—from waiting for Gideon, to altering the physical world, to initiating the last sign. Gideon is not brave, but that doesn’t keep God from using him. He takes the man he wants to use and delivers Israel from her enemies by his hand. He uses his chosen vessel despite that vessel’s repeated struggle to trust God.
JUDGES 6
Heart of the matter: Daily reflections for changing hearts and lives
God anticipates Gideon’s faith battle and builds his confidence by infiltrating the minds of his enemies. Gideon can no longer doubt future victory when he hears the enemy prophesy their own defeat. God never berates Gideon for his lack of faith. Instead, he stoops ever lower to give him the faith to believe. Gideon’s need for encouragement remains a constant, and God keeps intensifying his responses—from waiting for Gideon, to altering the physical world, to initiating the last sign. Gideon is not brave, but that doesn’t keep God from using him. He takes the man he wants to use and delivers Israel from her enemies by his hand. He uses his chosen vessel despite that vessel’s repeated struggle to trust God.
JUDGES 6
Heart of the matter: Daily reflections for changing hearts and lives
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