Our Gracious Father

Our Gracious Father

“If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp…Gideon arrived just as a man was telling a friend his dream…” – Judges 7:10-11;13

Gideon and his men were facing overwhelming odds- a Mideonite army of 135,000 men was “knocking on Israel’s door!” This was an army that had ravaged their land for the previous seven years. Not only that, God had also pared down the Israelite army from 32,000 to 300 men, “In order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her.” (Judges 7:2)

There was valid reason to feel alarmed!

God understood Gideon’s fears and concerns and, instead of chewing him out, graciously worked with him, specifically setting up circumstances in such a way as to encourage and strengthen Gideon’s resolve. (Read Judges 7) As a result, Gideon and his band of 300 led the charge, and with God’s amazing help the Mideonite army was pushed back and destroyed.

As I face challenges and overwhelming situations in my life, I can be encouraged by this passage of Scripture. God understands my fears, doubts, and hesitations. He is the God of Gideon, and He is my God. He knows how to graciously work with my heart, drawing me to trust Him and follow His victorious lead!

Dear Lord, thank you that you aren’t a harsh, exacting Father! You sympathize with my weaknesses, doubts, and fears and know intimately how to best strengthen and encourage me in the battle! Help me today to trust you and be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus! Amen!

Lean on the loving AND strong One today. He is trustworthy!