Walk in the Word

For seven years the land of Israel was under the control of the Midianites because of their disobedience to God’s word.  Their land was seized, crops destroyed, and they were forced to make their homes in the mountains.

When they finally called out for help, the Lord looked to Gideon, the youngest member of the weakest family of Manasseh.  Gideon was full of doubt and insecurity telling the Lord he did not have the ability to save Israel.  Through his own eyes Gideon saw himself as insignificant, but through God’s eyes he was a mighty man of valor.

Lacking confidence and armed with nothing more than the promise of God, Gideon set out on his mission to save his land and bring glory to the name of God.  Gideon found his courage and led an army of 300 men against 120,000 Midianites.  Where did he find his courage?  In the promise of the Lord, “By the three hundred men… I will save you, and deliver the Midianites into your hand.”

Sometimes God will give you tasks that through the eyes of the world seem a bit crazy to say the least.  Sometimes we face battles that we have no idea how we’re going to get through.  Remember, God has promised never to leave you nor forsake you; so as long as you continue on the path, He will not let you fail.

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.  Psalm 28:7

Gideon’s army surrounded the Midianites and blew their trumpets, leading to mass confusion and chaos among the Midianite army causing them to turn their swords on one another.  What seemed like and overwhelming victory for Gideon was just the beginning.  He saw that victory was near, but did not settle.  He knew the Lord’s task was not yet complete.  Two Midianite kings escaped the melee and Gideon would not stop until he found them.  “When Gideon came to the Jordan, he and the three hundred men who were with him crossed over, exhausted but still in pursuit.” Judges 8:4

Are you exhausted?  Do you feel like you cannot go any further?  Too many times we give up with the finish line just barely out of sight, falling short of glory, settling for the accomplishments we have already achieved. Yes, it is true that fatigue can make cowards of us all.  You get tired of running the race, its too difficult; you hit the wall and don’t feel like you can make it any farther.  The closer you get to the end, the closer you get to your blessing, the harder the battle becomes.  You must be courageous for God and not give up your pursuit.

Many people believe that courage is the lack of fear, but that is not true.  Courage is being able to continue forward in spite of the fear.  Courage does not exist  unless fear first exists.  What am I trying to say?  Having fear is normal, but it is what you do with it that decides your character.  Are you going to use it as an excuse to quit?  Or in the face of fear are you going to keep your eyes on the Lord and continue to battle?  Do not lose heart and the blessing will be yours.

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9

Today’s Prayer:

Heavenly Father, give me the courage to continue on your path.  Teach me to trust in you completely.