Year of the Bible: Part Five of Twelve Sample

“Mighty Man of Valor?" Yeah, Right!

Israel's disobedience brought about one of the most heart-wrenching times of trouble for God’s people as described in the book of Judges. They found themselves hiding in mountain caves while the Midianites and Amalekites cruelly oppressed them. Their enemies came in hoards at harvest time every year to destroy all of their produce and livestock, leaving the Israelites impoverished.

One man was trying to salvage some wheat while hiding in a winepress when the Angel of the Lord (probably an Old Testament appearance of Christ) declared “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor.” God was about to do something impossible through the life of this very ordinary man, named Gideon. However, Gideon couldn’t buy into that initially. He had listened to the many voices in his head that had spoken lies:

“Oh God, if You do such great things and we’re Your favorite kids, then where’s the proof? Why is all of this bad stuff happening to us if You’re so good and we’re Your chosen people?” “Oh, and what’s this ‘man of valor’ stuff about? Who, me? Maybe You didn’t know what side of the tracks I grew up on! Even other Israelites don’t respect us! We’re the lowest of the low!”

It is easier to trust God if you don’t hold Him responsible for evil things that happen in the world. Gideon was obviously confused about God’s character based on the circumstances he was found in.

As the Lord persisted in speaking faith and hope, Gideon needed persuading. His request to “show me a sign” prompted God to have fire explode from a rock, consuming Gideon’s offering. After two more days of testing God—tests that involved fleece and dew on the ground—Gideon finally got it that the Lord really did want to use him to lead Israel.
Question: Have you entertained the lie that God has not heard your cry about difficult things or spiritual warfare going on in your life? Have you questioned God’s goodness because of bad things happening to good people?

Prayer: Declare afresh your trust in God’s goodness and begin to praise Him for the way forward through the trouble so prevalent in our world. Thank God that He has placed His hand upon your life and that, with Him, nothing shall be impossible for you and His people. Thank Him for His thoughts towards you and ask forgiveness for believing any voices other than His.

Go Deeper: We hear many voices which attempt to define our identity! Parents and family members, friends and enemies, the devil … all seeking to settle in your mind all the things that are wrong with you, the reasons you won’t amount to anything or are too spiritually weak to make a difference in the world. Take a few moments to quiet and surrender your thoughts before the Lord and then ask your heavenly Father “What do You say about me?” Write it down and embrace the truth.