How can we encourage others to recognize God's work in their lives? Setting the Scene • Judges 6 opens with Israel in fear, hiding from Midianite oppression. • God calls Gideon to tear down his father’s altar to Baal and build an altar to the LORD (Judges 6:25-27). • Verse focus: “They said to one another, ‘Who has done this?’ And after they had investigated and asked, they said, ‘Gideon son of Joash has done this thing.’ ” (Judges 6:29) • Gideon’s quiet act of obedience triggered an investigation—people noticed something new and were forced to ask questions. Principle 1: Live Obediently So God’s Work Becomes Noticeable • Gideon obeyed at personal risk; his courage exposed idolatry and highlighted God’s agenda. • When believers follow God’s clear commands, the contrast with the surrounding culture is unmistakable (Philippians 2:15). • Visible obedience prompts others to ask, “Who did this?”—opening the door to point them to the Lord. Principle 2: Speak Up and Give God the Credit • Gideon’s name surfaced; now he had opportunity to explain the true Author of the change. • “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) • Encourage others by verbally connecting blessings, breakthroughs, or transformations to God’s hand: – “The Lord provided this job at just the right time.” – “God healed our marriage when we surrendered to His Word.” Principle 3: Invite Honest Investigation • The townspeople “investigated and asked.” Genuine seekers should be welcomed. • Offer evidence of God’s activity: answered prayers, changed attitudes, fulfilled promises. • 1 Peter 3:15 urges readiness to “give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you.” Transparency builds credibility. Principle 4: Connect the Dots with Scripture • Gideon could point to God’s covenant commands against idolatry (Exodus 20:3-5). • Linking personal experiences to biblical truth helps others see patterns of divine involvement: – Provision → Philippians 4:19. – Comfort in trials → 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. – New life change → 2 Corinthians 5:17. • “This is from the LORD; it is marvelous in our eyes.” (Psalm 118:23) Principle 5: Celebrate Visible Change • When God’s work becomes evident, celebrate it openly; celebration reinforces recognition. • Testimony nights, shared meals, or simple conversations over coffee can highlight what God has done. • John 9:25: “One thing I do know: I was blind, but now I see!” Clear, concise stories magnify God. Putting It into Practice 1. Act on God’s clear instructions, even when unnoticed or risky. 2. When results appear, explicitly attribute them to the Lord. 3. Encourage questions; provide honest, scripture-anchored answers. 4. Regularly rehearse and share personal and communal testimonies. 5. Celebrate every evidence of God’s hand, cultivating a culture of recognition. Living and speaking this way helps others trace the unmistakable fingerprints of God on their own lives, just as Gideon’s quiet obedience did for his community. |
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