Sermon Audio: LINK

Opening:

As we continue our sermon series through Judges, we see the Israelites falling once again into their cycle of disobedience and idolatry, turning away from God. In response, the Midianites, a ruthless enemy, swept over the land like locusts, devastating crops, stealing livestock, and forcing the Israelites into hiding. In their distress, the people cried out to God, turning back to Him in their suffering. Sadly, this pattern of rebellion, suffering, repentance, and deliverance is one that repeats itself throughout the book of Judges.

Yet it is during this time of fear that  we meet Gideon. He wasn’t a mighty warrior when we first see him. Instead, he was hiding, threshing wheat in a winepress to avoid the Midianites. Like many of us, Gideon struggled with fear and doubt. He didn’t begin as a bold leader, but as a man afraid of his circumstances. Yet, it was through this very man, timid and unsure, that God would deliver Israel.

Scripture Reading: 

Let us read from Gods Word:  Judges 6:11-7:22 ESV

Opening Prayer:

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we come before You today, grateful for Your presence in our lives. As we reflect on the story of Gideon, we are reminded that You see beyond our weaknesses, our fears, and our doubts. You call us not for our strength but for our willingness to trust in Your power. Lord, help us to hear Your voice clearly, even when we feel inadequate, and give us the courage to step out in faith, knowing that You are with us. May Your Spirit guide our hearts and minds today as we open Your Word. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

“O Mighty Man of Valor”

Imagine Gideon, the son of Joash, crouching low in a winepress. The Midianites have invaded the land. For seven long years, they have ravaged the people of Israel. Like locusts, they swarm in and devour everything: crops, livestock, and livelihoods. The Israelites are now hiding in caves and mountain clefts, struggling to survive. Hope seems distant, and fear hangs over the land like a dark cloud.

Here is Gideon hiding in a winepress. Why? Because he is afraid of the Midianites, afraid of losing what little he has, and afraid the enemy will find him and destroy the meager grains he is trying to thresh. Wheat was usually threshed in the open, so the wind could separate the grain from the chaff. Yet here is Gideon, driven by fear, retreating into the safety of a winepress. His actions speak of a man already defeated before the battle begins.

Can you feel his fear? Can you sense the desperation? He’s threshing wheat in secret, hoping the Midianites won’t notice him or steal what little he’s managed to gather. This is not a scene of victory. This is survival. Gideon is not a warrior; he’s simply a man trying to make it through the day without losing everything.

Gideon’s fear wasn’t irrational. It was based on real threats. He lived in a time when every step outside could mean danger, bringing the Midianites down on him. The Midianites were relentless and powerful. Scripture tells us they would come up “like locusts in number, both they and their camels could not be counted” (Judges 6:5, ESV). Each time the Israelites planted crops, the Midianites would swoop in and destroy everything, leaving no sustenance, “no sheep or ox or donkey” (Judges 6:4, ESV) 

But this is where God steps in. In the very place of Gideon’s fear, in the midst of his hiding, the angel of the Lord appears with these startling words: “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor!” (Judges 6:12, ESV). How shocking this must have sounded to Gideon! He is hiding in fear, yet called a mighty warrior. 

Still, like many of us, Gideon wasn’t convinced right away. He questioned God. He doubted. He asked, “Please, my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us?” (Judges 6:13, ESV). Don’t we ask the same question? Gideon, like so many of us, couldn’t reconcile the oppression around him with the idea of God’s presence. How could God be with us, he wondered, when everything was going so wrong? When life gets hard, when we face challenges that seem insurmountable, we wonder, “Where is God? If He is with me, why am I suffering? Why am I struggling?” Gideon couldn’t see beyond his present pain to the greater plan God had for him and for Israel.

But God’s response to Gideon’s doubt is full of grace and power. He doesn’t scold or belittle him. Instead, God says, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man” (Judges 6:16, ESV). Notice God’s promise isn’t based on Gideon’s strength or abilities, it’s based on God’s presence in Gideon’s life. “I will be with you.” That’s all that matters. God’s presence is enough to overcome every obstacle, every enemy, and every fear.

Just as God was with Gideon, He is with you. In moments when you feel like hiding when fear keeps you small, remember that God is calling you out of the winepress. He calls you to be the mighty warrior He created you to be. He calls you to step out in faith, trusting that His presence will go with you and His power will work through you.

The Testing of Gideon’s Faith 

Notice that God’s first command to Gideon wasn’t to lead Israel into battle but to begin with a personal act of obedience, right in his own backyard. God told him to tear down his father’s altar to Baal and build an altar to the Lord in its place. Although Gideon obeyed, he did so under the cover of night, afraid of what might happen (Judges 6:27, ESV). This small, quiet act was an important first step for Gideon. Often, the most important battles aren’t fought in public but in the private corners of our lives, within our hearts, homes, and private decisions. God often tests us with small acts of obedience to prepare us for the larger tasks ahead. 

Like Gideon, we are also called to tear down “altars” in our own lives that don’t align with God’s will. Like Gideon, we may feel fear, but true faith is trusting God enough to obey, even when we’re scared. What matters isn’t how bold we feel but that we act in obedience. God isn’t looking for perfection; He desires hearts willing to follow Him, even in small, uncertain steps. Growing in faith comes from our willingness to obey the little things. As Jesus teaches, “One who is faithful in little is also faithful in much” (Luke 16:10, ESV).

When the townsmen discovered what Gideon had done, they were furious and demanded his death. In a surprising turn, Gideon’s father, Joash, defended him, saying, “Will you contend for Baal, or will you save him?… If he is a god, let him contend for himself” (Judges 6:31, ESV). As a result, Gideon earned the name Jerubbaal, meaning “Let Baal contend against him.” 

Notice how Gideon’s faith began to grow with each step of obedience. Initially, Gideon was a man filled with fear. But with each act of trust in God, his faith deepened. This transformation wasn’t immediate, but Scripture tells us that “the Spirit of the Lord clothed Gideon” (Judges 6:34, ESV). The man who had once hidden in fear was now beginning to step into his God-given leadership role. 

Sometimes, we make the mistake of thinking that faith is a one-time decision. The truth is that faith is something that grows over time. Just as Gideon’s faith grew through the trials he faced, our own faith is shaped by the obstacles and uncertainties we encounter. As we lean on the Lord, He equips us for the tasks ahead, preparing us for the greater challenges He has in store. Gideon didn’t become a mighty warrior overnight. It was a gradual process of learning to trust God, one step at a time. 

Even as Gideon’s faith matured, he still sought reassurance from God before leading Israel into battle against the Midianites. Recognizing the enormity of the task ahead, he asked God for a sign, “If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand” (Judges 6:37, ESV). When God graciously fulfilled this request, Gideon asked for another sign, this time reversing the conditions: “Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more… let it be dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground let there be dew” (Judges 6:39, ESV). Though Scripture warns against putting God to the test (Matthew 4:7), we see here a God who is patient and understanding, meeting Gideon in his uncertainty.

God understands our human frailty and doubts. He doesn’t rebuke Gideon for seeking reassurance. While we shouldn’t make a habit of testing God, there are times when we may, like Gideon, need extra encouragement or clarity. Like the man in Mark 9:24 who cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (ESV), we too can bring our doubts and fears to God. We don’t need to have all the answers or possess unshakable faith, what matters is that we trust God enough to take the next step. o, even in moments of doubt, remember that God is faithful. He equips us for the challenges ahead, and His presence is the source of our confidence. Just as He assured Gideon, “I will be with you” (Judges 6:16, ESV), God offers the same promise to us. 

The Victory of God Through Human Weakness (Judges 7:1-22)

Now imagine Gideon standing with 32,000 men, ready to face the Midianites. Though he might have felt somewhat confident with such a sizable force, God had other plans: “The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast…‘My own hand has saved me’” (Judges 7:2, ESV). 

Gideon was already up against an army described as vast as “the sand on the seashore.” Yet, God was saying, “You have too many men.” 

God’s goal was to ensure that His power, not Israel’s strength, was on display. So, God instructed Gideon to send home anyone who was afraid. As a result, 22,000 men left, leaving Gideon with just 10,000. Imagine his reaction as he watched two-thirds of his army walk away. But God wasn’t done. Even 10,000 was too many. God had Gideon take the men to a stream and told him to separate them by how they drank water. Only 300 men lapped water like dogs, and these were the ones God chose. Gideon’s army was reduced from 32,000 to 300, ensuring that no one could boast of their strength when the victory came. And that’s the point. God deliberately set up an impossible situation so that when the victory came, everyone would know it was His doing. 

How often do we feel we need more resources, strength, or help to face life’s battles? Yet God’s message to Gideon, and to us, is clear: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV). When we are weak, God is strong. When we feel we have nothing left, God steps in to show He is all we need.

God, knowing Gideon’s fear, reassured him. He told Gideon to sneak into the enemy camp and listen. There, Gideon overheard two soldiers discussing a dream in which a loaf of barley bread tumbled into the camp, collapsing a tent. The other soldier interpreted it, saying, “This is no other than the sword of Gideon… God has given the Midianites into his hand” (Judges 7:14, ESV).

Imagine Gideon’s relief as he realized even the enemy feared him. This confirmation gave him the courage to lead his 300 men into battle. Gideon armed his men not with swords but with trumpets, empty jars, and torches. They surrounded the Midianite camp in the darkness, and at Gideon’s signal, they broke their jars, blew their trumpets, and shouted, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!” (Judges 7:20, ESV).

The Midianite camp then descended into chaos. In their panic, the soldiers turned their swords on each other. Gideon’s men didn’t need to lift a weapon. In an ironic twist, God orchestrated events so that the mighty Midianites defeated themselves. Likewise, our battles aren’t ours alone, they belong to Him. Even when the odds seem impossible, we serve the God who makes the impossible possible. The victory always was, and always will be, the Lord’s.

Conclusion:

As we reflect on Gideon’s story, we witness a powerful truth. Just as God worked through Gideon’s weakness to bring victory, the gospel reveals the ultimate display of divine strength in the apparent weakness of the cross. Through Christ’s sacrificial love, God accomplished what no human effort ever could, He defeated sin and death. 

Like Gideon, we are called in our weakness. God is not looking for self-sufficient people; He desires those who will humbly say, “I am weak, but you art mighty.” It’s in our reliance on Him, not ourselves, that we find strength. Christ, our Deliverer, like Gideon, rescues His people, not from Midian, but from the power of sin. Let us look to Him in faith, knowing that God uses the weak to fulfill His purposes for His glory alone. May we go forth in the confidence of the Lord, trusting that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. 

Closing Prayer:

Lord God, we thank You for the powerful lessons You’ve taught us through the story of Gideon. Like him, we are often weak and afraid, but You are strong. As we go forth from here, remind us that the battles we face are not ours alone, they belong to You. Strengthen our faith, O Lord, and let us walk in the confidence that Your grace is sufficient and Your power is made perfect in our weakness. Help us to trust You in every situation and rely not on our own strength but on the victory You promise. We pray all of this in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

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Daily Devotionals:

Monday: Courage in the Winepress

Scripture Reading:

“Now the angel of the Lord came and sat under the terebinth at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the winepress to hide it from the Midianites. And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, ‘The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.'” – Judges 6:11-12 (ESV)  

Devotional:

Gideon was hiding in a winepress when God called him a “mighty man of valor.” At first glance, this title seemed misplaced. Gideon wasn’t acting like a warrior; he was crouched in fear, trying to survive. But God saw more in Gideon than he saw in himself. God wasn’t speaking to the man Gideon was in that moment, but to the man he would become through God’s power and presence. The Lord often calls us to greater things, even when we feel ill-equipped. Just like Gideon, God sees our potential in Him, not based on our own strength, but on His.

There are times in life when we, too, find ourselves “hiding in the winepress,” consumed by fear or self-doubt. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by our challenges, much like Gideon was overwhelmed by the Midianites. Yet, God’s message to us remains the same: He is with us. When God calls us to step into something greater, He provides the strength and courage we need. It’s not about who we are right now but who He is shaping us to be through His power.

God’s call to Gideon teaches us that courage isn’t the absence of fear but stepping out in faith despite fear. The Lord didn’t wait for Gideon to feel courageous before He called him; He called him while he was afraid. Similarly, God doesn’t wait for us to feel ready. He meets us in our fear and equips us for what He has called us to do.

Reflection Questions:

1. In what areas of your life are you “hiding in the winepress,” feeling afraid or unsure?

2. How does knowing that God sees your potential encourage you to step out in faith?

3. What steps can you take this week to trust God’s calling, even if you don’t feel ready?

Prayer:  

Lord, thank You for calling me, even when I feel afraid or inadequate. Help me to trust that Your presence is with me, and give me the courage to step out in faith. Like Gideon, may I learn to see myself as You see me, not in my own strength, but in Yours. Amen.

Tuesday: Doubts and Questions

Scripture Reading:

“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?'” – Judges 6:13 (ESV)  

Devotional:

Gideon’s initial response to God’s call was full of questions and doubt. He couldn’t reconcile God’s presence with the suffering Israel was experiencing. We often find ourselves in similar situations. When life gets hard, we ask, “If God is with me, why is this happening?” Like Gideon, we struggle to see God’s plan when the present circumstances seem so bleak. Doubts are a normal part of faith, and God is not afraid of our questions. He meets us in our uncertainty, offering grace and reassurance.

What’s comforting about this part of Gideon’s story is that God doesn’t rebuke him for questioning. Instead, God gently reminds him of His presence. He reassures Gideon that His plan is still unfolding and that He will bring deliverance. Our questions don’t disqualify us from God’s plan. In fact, they can lead us to a deeper reliance on Him. Just as God was patient with Gideon, He is patient with us. Our doubts can become opportunities for God to reveal His power in unexpected ways.

When we face moments of uncertainty, we can bring our fears and questions to God. He invites us to be honest with Him. Like Gideon, we may not understand why we’re going through difficulties, but we can trust that God is at work in the midst of them. His promise remains: “I will be with you.”

Reflection Questions:

1. What questions or doubts have you been wrestling with in your faith journey?

2. How does Gideon’s story encourage you to bring your doubts to God?

3. How can you remind yourself of God’s promises, even when you don’t see immediate answers?

Prayer:  

Lord, I bring my doubts and questions to You. Help me to trust that even when I don’t understand, You are working for my good. Strengthen my faith, and remind me that Your presence is with me in every situation. Amen.

Wednesday: Small Steps of Obedience

Scripture Reading:  

“So Gideon took ten men of his servants and did as the Lord had told him. But because he was too afraid of his family and the men of the town to do it by day, he did it by night.” – Judges 6:27 (ESV) 

Devotional:

Gideon’s first assignment from God wasn’t to lead an army but to tear down the altar to Baal in his own backyard. Though afraid, Gideon obeyed. He acted under the cover of night, but he still took the step of obedience. Sometimes, our acts of faith start small. God asks us to obey Him in the hidden, private areas of our lives before calling us to bigger tasks. These small steps matter. They prepare us for the larger things God has in store.

Obedience isn’t about feeling bold all the time; it’s about trusting God enough to act, even when we’re scared. Like Gideon, we may feel fear, but that doesn’t mean we can’t obey. Every step we take in faith, no matter how small, strengthens our trust in God. Jesus taught that those who are faithful in little will be faithful in much. Our private battles of obedience are often the foundation for public victories.

As we take these small steps of faith, we may not see immediate results, but God is working in and through us. Just as Gideon’s act of tearing down the altar led to greater things, our faithfulness in the small things paves the way for what God has planned for us in the future.

Reflection Questions:

1. What small steps of obedience is God calling you to take right now?

2. How can you act in faith, even if you feel afraid?

3. How might your obedience in the little things prepare you for something bigger?

Prayer:  

Lord, help me to be faithful in the small things. Even when I feel afraid, give me the courage to obey You. I trust that as I take these steps, You are preparing me for greater things. Strengthen my faith, and remind me that You are with me in every act of obedience. Amen.

Thursday: God’s Patience with Our Doubts

Scripture Reading:

“Then Gideon said to God, ‘Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more. Please let me test just once more with the fleece… And God did so that night.'” – Judges 6:39-40 (ESV)  

Devotional:

Even after God reassured Gideon multiple times, he still asked for more signs. His faith was growing, but he needed further confirmation. What’s remarkable is God’s patience with him. He didn’t get angry or withdraw His call. Instead, God met Gideon in his uncertainty and graciously provided the signs Gideon needed. This shows us that God understands our doubts and weaknesses. He is patient with us as we learn to trust Him more fully.

We may feel hesitant to ask God for reassurance, thinking it shows a lack of faith. But Gideon’s story teaches us that it’s okay to bring our fears to God. He knows our hearts and is willing to meet us where we are. While we shouldn’t continually “test” God, there are moments when we need His encouragement, and He is gracious to give it. Our relationship with God is not about having perfect faith, but about walking with Him and growing in trust.

If you’re in a season of doubt, don’t be afraid to ask God for reassurance. He is not offended by your need for confirmation. Instead, He invites you to bring your concerns to Him. God is a patient teacher, and He will provide the encouragement you need to continue walking in faith.

Reflection Questions:

1. When have you needed reassurance from God? How did He provide it?

2. How can you trust God’s patience with you as you grow in faith?

3. What does it mean to rely on God’s grace when you feel uncertain?

Prayer:  

Heavenly Father, thank You for being patient with me when I struggle with doubt. Help me to trust in Your faithfulness, even when I need reassurance. Thank You for Your grace and for meeting me where I am. Strengthen my faith as I continue to walk with You. Amen.

Friday: God’s Strength in Our Weakness

Scripture Reading:

“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)  

Devotional:

When Gideon faced the Midianites, God reduced his army from 32,000 to just 300. This wasn’t because God wanted to make things harder for Gideon, but because He wanted Israel to know that victory came from Him, not their own strength. Similarly, God works through our weakness to display His power. When we feel inadequate or overwhelmed, it’s an opportunity for God’s strength to be revealed in our lives.

In a culture that prizes self-sufficiency, it can be hard to embrace weakness. But God’s kingdom operates differently. He uses our limitations to demonstrate His glory. When we acknowledge that we are not enough on our own, we open the door for God to work powerfully through us. Like Gideon’s army, we don’t need large numbers or impressive resources to achieve God’s purposes, what we need is to trust in His sufficiency.

In moments when you feel like you don’t have enough strength, enough faith, enough resources, remember that God’s grace is sufficient. His power is made perfect in our weakness. As you surrender your limitations to Him, watch how He works in ways that you never could on your own.

Reflection Questions:

1. Where do you feel weak or inadequate in your life right now?

2. How can you invite God’s strength to work through your weakness?

3. What does it look like to rely on God’s grace instead of your own abilities?

Prayer:  

Lord, thank You that Your grace is sufficient for me. I offer You my weaknesses, knowing that Your power is made perfect in them. Help me to trust that You will work through me, even when I feel inadequate. May Your strength be on display in my life. Amen.

Saturday: Victory Belongs to the Lord

Scripture Reading:

“Then the three companies blew the trumpets and broke the jars. They held in their left hands the torches, and in their right hands the trumpets to blow. And they cried out, ‘A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!’… The Lord set every man’s sword against his comrade and against all the army.” Judges 7:20-22 (ESV)  

Devotional:

Gideon’s 300 men defeated the Midianites without lifting a sword. Armed only with trumpets, jars, and torches, they witnessed the Lord create confusion in the enemy camp, causing the Midianites to turn on each other. This was a clear reminder that the victory belonged to God, not Gideon’s strength or strategy. The battle wasn’t won by human effort but by divine intervention. This truth is the same for us today, our battles belong to the Lord.

When we face challenges that seem insurmountable, we are often tempted to rely on our own strength. But just like Gideon, we need to remember that victory comes from the Lord. It’s His power, not ours, that overcomes the obstacles in our lives. Our role is to step out in faith and obedience, trusting that God will fight for us. Whether it’s a battle of the mind, heart, or circumstances, the Lord is with us, and He is more than able to bring victory.

We serve a God who turns the impossible into the possible. No matter what challenges you’re facing, take heart in knowing that the Lord is on your side. The victory always has and always will belong to Him.

Reflection Questions:

1. What battles are you currently facing that feel overwhelming?

2. How does knowing that God fights for you change your perspective on those challenges?

3. How can you trust in God’s victory rather than relying on your own strength?

Prayer:  

God of victory, I surrender my battles to You. I trust that You are fighting for me, and that the victory belongs to You. Help me to walk in faith and obedience, knowing that Your power is greater than any obstacle I face. Thank You for being with me and for Your promise of deliverance. Amen.