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[expand title=”Devotion Text”]Israel was in danger. Gideon moaned over Israel’s circumstance while he threshed his wheat in hiding. But then God showed up—he always does. In God’s encounter with Gideon, we see the anatomy of prayer.
God’s Presence: Judges 6:12
And the angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, “The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.”
Talking with God always begins with the knowledge that God is there to talk with. Gideon was reminded of God’s presence—that he is always with us.
Gideon’s Petition: Judges 6:13
And Gideon said to him, “Please, my lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the LORD has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.”
The beauty of talking with God is telling him what is on our hearts. Gideon poured out his troubles and confusion to God. Then Gideon answers his two questions by concluding that God had forsaken his people.
God’s Strength: Judges 6:14
And the LORD turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?”
God’s assignment is always accompanied by God’s strength. It is a package deal. One cannot happen without the other.
Gideon’s Weakness: Judges 6:15
And he said to him, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.”
“Me save Israel?” Gideon said. “I am the weakest of the weakest.” Ever feel that way? God will never allow us to use that as an excuse.
God’s Presence and Strength: Judges 6:16
And the LORD said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.”
When God gives an assignment, he will always provide his presence and strength. You can take that to the bank!
Talking Points
- Ask God to never let your fear or weakness drive you.
- Ask God to allow you to experience his presence and strength.
- Ask God to enable you to finish your assignment well.
Father, thank you for giving me everything I need to do what you are calling me to do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Today on The Journey Broadcast:
Pastor Ron,
Thank you for having these devotions in the morning. My husband leaves for work every day at 3:45 and after he leaves I start my day by reading them. They are encouraging and help me with my walk with the Lord. Thank you so much. Keep them coming. God bless.
Thanks for the encouragement, Amy.
Hi Pastor Ron. Bless the LORD!! May it encourage you to know that my wife Nancy and I listen to Journey Through The Bible every day. We are grateful to God for it and we pray for you, your family and Chapel family. Thank you, the Lord bless you, in Jesus’ name. Amen. Sincerely, Gary Liberatore.
Thank you Gary, appreciate it.