Judges 6-8

Gideon

Link to full passage on Bible Gateway

Some have described him as cowardly, yet the angel of the LORD addressed Gideon as a valiant warrior. He told Gideon that the LORD was with him. Gideon was not so sure. He questioned and tested the angel of the LORD until he was convinced that God truly had his back. The LORD gave Gideon the confidence he needed to face the massive army bravely.  And Gideon persevered until the enemy was completely defeated. After this, the people of Israel asked Gideon to be king. But he rightly retorted, "I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the Lord shall rule over you".  Gideon did not want adulation. Though he obviously had leadership skills and acted with bravery in pursuing the enemy, Gideon was just a regular guy with doubts and fears.  And because he was just a regular guy, he made mistakes and was not able to remain faithful to God. He could not. Neither can we without the Spirit of God transforming our hearts. How blessed we are that God sent His Son to deliver us from our enemies - sin and death! How blessed we are that Jesus is our Lord and King! He has been given all power and authority. And He is and will always be faithful to His Father and to us. Thank You, dear Father, for Your Son whom You have sent to deliver us from our foes. May we bravely follow him into the our own spiritual battles and the challenges we face every day.  For we know that if we follow Him and believe in Him, we will have victory.  And thank You for making us into the image of Your Son by the power of Your Spirit dwelling in us. Thank You for creating in us a heart that will always remain faithful to You.