What does Gideon's courage teach us about trusting God's calling? Setting the Scene “‘Who did this?’… ‘Gideon son of Joash has done this thing’” (Judges 6:29). In a single night Gideon toppled Baal’s altar, chopped down the Asherah pole, and raised an uncompromising witness to the living God. By morning the entire town was buzzing, and the young farmer became known first and foremost for his obedience to the Lord’s call. Gideon’s Quiet Yet Daring Obedience • Judges 6:11-12 – hiding in a winepress, Gideon hears, “The LORD is with you, O mighty warrior.” • Judges 6:14 – God issues His commission: “Go in the strength you have… Have I not sent you?” • Judges 6:27 – Gideon obeys “at night, because he feared his father’s household and the men of the city,” proving courage is not the absence of fear but action in spite of it. • Judges 6:29 – the villagers’ investigation spotlights him: courage cannot stay anonymous forever. What Gideon’s Courage Teaches About Trusting God’s Calling • God’s call carries divine authority; Gideon trusted the literal word spoken to him (v. 14). • Obedience often begins in the ordinary—smashing an idolatrous altar before leading an army. • Family and community pressure do not nullify God’s assignment (vv. 29-30). • Divine courage grows as the Spirit empowers: “The Spirit of the LORD clothed Gideon” (Judges 6:34). • God confirms His call with tangible assurance (the fleece, vv. 36-40), showing He understands human frailty yet still expects forward movement. • Trusting God redefines identity: from timidity (v. 15) to “mighty warrior” (v. 12) to faith hero (Hebrews 11:32-34). Courage Anchored in God’s Presence • Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous… the LORD your God is with you.” • Psalm 118:6 – “The LORD is for me; I will not fear.” • 2 Timothy 1:7 – “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power…” Courage That Faces Opposition • Expect pushback (Judges 6:30), yet trust God to intervene (v. 31: Joash defends Gideon). • Acts 5:29 parallels the principle: “We must obey God rather than men.” Courage That Inspires Others Gideon’s stand rallied Israel: “All the tribes… rallied to him” (Judges 6:35). Personal obedience often ignites corporate faith. Courage in the Light of Christ • The ultimate Deliverer exemplifies perfect trust (John 6:38). • Believers now share that same empowering presence (Galatians 2:20). Living It Out • Remember the literal, trustworthy Word that calls you. • Start with the “altar” God puts before you today. • Lean on His promised presence, not your adequacy. • Watch courage multiply as obedience replaces fear. |
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