It hasn’t been the best of times. God’s works deserted them in their eyes, as they did evil. Still, he works, threshing wheat in a winepress. The enemy is at the door; he was hiding his resources in the pit. It somehow depicted a sign of working in weakness.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!His name is Gideon, and that was his introduction in the book of Judges. He even went on to claim, “But how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” When the Lord called him. Judges 6
Yet his story of relying on faith over fear turned out in the end. The disobedience of the Israelites is often saved by the obedience of a certain person who is willing to let the Lord God work through him and with him.
This is one among the series of words in my dream; it was long pending in my heart. I have often studied a particular verse, word, and chapter in my dreams, which is a blessing to me. Yet I’m afraid I might have missed the purpose of it.
God works with Gideon:
Despite being in a place of hiding and fear, Gideon was called by the angel of God, a “mighty man of valor,” indicating that God works through people even when they are in hiding or feeling powerless.
His fear did not subside even when the Lord said, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.” 6:16 In other words, he might have wanted to be very clear that the Lord God will be with him through their suffering, further defeating the source of their fear. Judg.6:15-16
Yet His obedience led him to follow the lead of God, which in turn led the Israelites follow his lead. The surrender of Gideon into the hands of God made him available and usable by the Lord. God wants a partner with a dedicated heart; his desire is to work with his own creation.
Now, a true leader from God transcends the limitations and fears in the minds of the people at all times. They encourage us through their faith, inculcating a seed of faith that further goes on to bear fruit wherever we are.
For the Lord and Gideon:
Gideon heard the word of God; he did not simply keep it with him. Let us note here that actions followed the words. In short, as instructed, he and his God-chosen men reached the edge of the enemy. He instructed his men to follow his lead.
Then, just after they had changed the Midianites’ guard, they blew their trumpets and broke the jars that were in their hands. Grasping the torches in their left hands and holding in their right hands the trumpets they were to blow, they shouted;
“A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!” Victory ensued over their fears.
While each man held his position around the camp, all the Midianites ran, crying out as they fled.
God Works with us:
Here, if you may notice, I used the preposition ‘with’ more than ‘through.’ While the word of God taken in full faith percolated deep down into our hearts and streamed out for others as well, I wanted to focus on God closely, enjoying being with us.
Although there is no specific evidence to prove God walks with Adam, it is mentioned that God walks with Adam in the cool of the day before sin entered. While Adam works in the Garden of Eden, God walks with him, and his presence signifies joy rather than fear. Gen. 3:8
It is this joy and intimate relationship that takes away our fear and limitations; it is the Lord God whose desire is to work with us. We can be a tool for him to work in his delight in the days of our lives.
Faith at work:
You and I often, maybe only I, struggle with putting out faith to work. The Scripture stated, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” James 2:26 If you and I have faith, there must be something to be seen, whether big or small.
With my chronic disorder and the decisions that I sometimes consider not so good for a lifetime, my faith doesn’t pump up my heart. Then fear and its subjects often attacked me.
I don’t know how much potential and time I might have here on this earth, but I believe God will work with me if I surrender myself to his will at the specific time.
Hiding to working:
Gideon feared that his staple food would be exploited by the Midianites, but his reliance on faith alone gave him a name. He’s not ready, but God waited for him. We, too, have our own Giants and Midianites to defeat.
And the Lord said (to Gideon), “I will wait until you return.” Judg.7:18 God is willing to work with us despite our physical and mental frailty.
God works with Gideon; his name has been mentioned along with God. He did not need to search for credit. God credited him. The slogan says it all, “A sword for the Lord and Gideon,” just as it is written and the way I heard it in my dream that night.
In the end, it is my prayer that my amateurish and rudimentary expression of the words, as it comes, brings honor and glory to the name of the Lord!
