Battles are not won by doubters. Champions conquer their foes and overpower their opposition despite the odds or what others might say. But this first begins by believing the truth and defeating fear. The story of Gideon presents a prime example of how fear and doubt can impede one’s path to victory. In the case of Gideon, “victory” does not consist of merely a military achievement like we readily might think of. Before recounting the famous battle of Gideon routing the Midianites with his band of three hundred men, another battle had to be won. Read Judges 6:1-15 and take note of the spiritual obstacles Gideon must first address. The children of Israel were not simply oppressed by the Midian raiders, they were also held captive by their fear, doubt, and unbelief. Gideon of course demonstrates this by the level of caution he takes while threshing his wheat in a wine press. By understanding the typical process and conditions needed for threshing wheat effectively, this method by Gideon would have been thought of as futile in his day. Gideon’s fear is driven by his lack of faith, which is most clearly evidenced by his response to the angel of the Lord in vs 13. Rather than acknowledging the Lord’s presence and His message of hope, Gideon challenges the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord. Like Gideon, it is easy to make this mistake when we interpret our circumstances through the lens of some bad theology. There will be moments in our lives when we are confused by what God is doing or not doing, there will be moments in our lives when we are frustrated by how distant God feels, and there will be moments in our lives when God brings us to the utter end of ourselves. It is very dangerous for us to look at the evidence and our own experience and conclude that God isn’t who He says He is. Doubt sets in and unbelief begins to rule our hearts. Rather than relying on our feelings and our human perspective, we are called to rely on the sure and abiding Word of God. We are called to hang on to His promises as we recall the works of the Lord and His faithful mercies. Gideon was not expected to courageously deliver Israel from a formidable foe because of who he was or his family identity. He was simply expected to act on the belief that God was with him. A covenant-keeping God goes before you. Keep believing; don’t give up. Conquer fear and doubt with the truth of God’s presence and in the power of His might. He will not let you go. –Pastor Nate
Sunday at Liberty
9AM: Priests Restore the Sacrifices–Ezra 3:1-7
10AM: Pastor Nate–A Bold Doubter–Judges 6:1-35 (sermon notes)
6PM: New Member Service
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