Wednesday Night July 18, 2012
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scriptures: Judges 6, 2 Corinthians 7, John 16
audio file: click to open in a new window or right-click to download
Notes
Judges 6:1-40
Many people may have heard the name of Gideon, but may not know who he was.
Gideon’s family was among the people who were not serving God.
Although we may have doubt about us, God knows who we are in Him. He has interacted with people before who couldn’t fathom what God has promised, such as Sara and Gideon. He knows our weakness and treated their questions with kindness. God will work His plan in spite of any limitations on our end.
God shows His kindness and patience.
The people were doing evil. After a time they forgot that God had delivered them from Egypt. They became wicked and were punished by the Midianites. They then called to God for deliverance.
God sent a prophet to them to tell what He was going to do.
“God can hit straight licks with crooked sticks.” God can work wonders regardless of what we cannot do.
God reminded them that He had delivered them and that they turned from Him. He cleared out the people who lived in the land before Israel. He still has the power over the ones that were beating the Israelites.
While Gideon is doing his work, the angel of the Lord came to him and called him a man of valor. Gideon wondered why they were suffering hard times. He knew the stories of the fathers and God’s deliverance.
God told him to go and obey, and he would be used to deliver the people of Israel.
When Gideon stated that he didn’t have the power or honor, but God told him that He would be with him.
At times we may have a doubt about what we can do, but in God’s power we can do whatever He wants us to do.
Gideon prepared an offering as he was trying to get assurance that God was going to use him. When Gideon understood that he was an angel of God and that God spared his life, he built an altar to the Lord.
Then God has him to tear down the places where people worshipped Baal and to offer a sacrifice to God. Is God asking you to get rid of/tear down something so that you can really worship Him?
Gideon knew that there would be problems from his family and the people, so he did it at night. He may have been uncomfortable, but he had to trust God.
Trouble comes (2 Corinthians 7:5) but God’s got our back (John 16:33)!
You cannot let fear stop you from doing what you need to do for God.
Once the people realized that Gideon had torn down the worship places, they wanted to kill him. His father called them out, asking why does Baal need you to fight for him?
Then Gideon sent for the people that would gather together to follow into battle.
Gideon then seeks confirmation from God. God spent the time to answer his questions. That was love and patience and to know that He is God.
Don’t forget the things that God has done. Some times it is good to look back to see what God has brought you through. There are testimonies in your own lives, as well as the bible, to remind you of what God has done to show himself as awesome.
Be consistent and let God work in your life.
Never doubt that God is in control. It would behoove you to be controlled by God.