Tag: Judges 6:12-14
“Mighty Warrior!”
Scripture reading for March 9: Judges 6-8
Poor self-image and discouraging self-talk are common symptoms of a life out of touch with the Lord. It is easy to focus on our lack or blame the way we are made. We magnify our weaknesses, see only the flaws, and are quick to blame them on someone else. Sometimes, we simply rehearse them over and over and stew in negativity. Gideon was such a man during the days of the Judges. But the God we serve loves to use the weak and flawed and make them into mighty warriors!
For seven years the Israelites had been under attack by the Midianites. They cried out to God for help and He sent them a prophet. The prophet reminded them of God’s mighty power in delivering them from Egypt and His warning not to worship the gods of the Amorites. Their hearts were cold!
God then sent His angel to Gideon. We find Gideon hiding in a wine press, threshing grain. The angel’s first words to Gideon: “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior!” (Judges 6:12) Gideon’s first response was not one of faith. He believed that the Lord had abandoned them. This messenger sent Gideon on a mission to deliver Israel–in the strength he had. (Judges 6:14) Gideon again protested that his clan was the weakest in Manasseh and that he was the weakest of all!
The angel had told him to use the strength he had–little or great! God would be with him and that would make all the difference in the world. God sees each person as special and has a job that they can do. He specializes in taking weak people and infusing them with His strength. When they choose to believe His Word, nothing shall be impossible to them! (1st Corinthians 1:25-29)
As Gideon prepared to deliver Israel, he gathered an army together. God reduced it from 32,000 to 300! God took away their weapons and gave them torches and pitchers! He told them to break the pitchers, wave the torches, and shout! He obeyed and in the strength he had, delivered Israel from the Midianites! (Judges 7:13-20)
Are you or have you suffered from a negative self-image? How did that affect you life and ability to live joyfully? Declare a promise from God over your life today. “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior!”
Finding faith when He Comes!
Scripture reading for March 27th: Jude 5-8, Luke 18
Key Scriptures: Luke 18:6-8 “And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to His elect, who cry to Him day and night? Will He delay long over them? I tell you, He will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?””
Jesus told a parable about an unjust judge and a woman who came again and again for justice. The unjust judge finally grants her request to keep her from wearing him out. Jesus used this story to explain the kind of faith needed by those who would be living in the time before He returned. God always is moved by people using their faith!
Judges 6:12, 14 “And the angel of the Lord appeared to him (Gideon) and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.” . . “And the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?””
Prayer: Lord, increase my ability to hear and believe Your holy Word and live by faith each day. Amen.