Daily Reading // Judges 7-11
(Find the daily reading on Pastor Jim’s Blog)
https://jholm5.wixsite.com/pastor-jim-blog
S // SCRIPTURE
Select a verse from today’s reading
Judges 7:3 (NKJV) “Now therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the people, saying, ‘Whoever is fearful and afraid, let him turn and depart at once from Mount Gilead.’ ” And twenty-two thousand of the people returned, and ten thousand remained.
Judges 7:10-11 (NKJV) 10 “But if you are afraid to go down, go down to the camp with Purah your servant, 11 “and you shall hear what they say; and afterward your hands shall be strengthened to go down against the camp.” Then he went down with Purah his servant to the outpost of the armed men who were in the camp.
O // OBSERVATION
Why did this verse get your attention? Make a simple observation from the text
The first step God took in reducing Gideon’s army was to release those who were fearful. Among the army of 32,000 those who left due to fear was 22,000. Only 10,000 remained.
So, all those who were afraid were allowed to leave. That is, all except one. All those who remained stayed because they were not afraid. That is, all except one.
We later find out that Gideon himself dealt with some fear. God dealt with his fear differently.
A // APPLICATION
How can I apply this to my life today?
Like Gideon, leaders deal with fear from time to time. Probably one of the fear that leaders deal with the most isn’t for them but for those they lead. “Am I putting them in harm’s way? Is this really the right course to take?”
Fear doesn’t disqualify a leader, but it has to be dealt with. God is able to give assurance and confirmation to the heart of a leader. An unsure leader is a danger in the day of battle. Confidence is a must.
Ask God to confirm your steps and redouble your reliance on Him before taking big steps. Do not let fear rule over you.
Then, like Gideon, 300 can rout 135,000 (Judges 8:10). Nothing is impossible.
P // PRAYER
Express yourself in prayer
Father, Fear will not rule over me. Confirm Your word in me and eliminate fear, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.
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