Words

Words

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“The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and for seven years he gave them into the hands of the Midianites. Because the power of Midian was so oppressive, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in mountain clefts, caves and strongholds. Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern peoples invaded the country.

I said to you, ‘I am the Lord your God; do not worship the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you live.’

But you have not listened to me.” When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.””

‭‭Judges‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬-‭3‬, ‭10‬, ‭12‬, NIV‬‬.

As weight was applied to the cushion the collected air escaped. As long as the person next to me realized the seat had made the noise, I could listen with blush-less cheeks. Words flowed from each speaker like water. All I could do was listen and absorb like a thirsty soul. Drink girl drink, even though your cup is about to overflowing. I continued to take in these writer's wise words and drank. I eventually sloshed out of the room with my head filled.

Have you ever felt like a high school runner about to race on a college track? Have you ever stood at a starting line moments before the bang, and hoped it was a dream? The runners next to me had better shoes, stronger legs and more determination--too much determination for my limited experience. That

s how I felt at this writer's conference.

I was a small fish in a big pond in over my head but wanted to grow.

Gideon, too, felt overwhelmed. I knew I was in good company remembering him. Many remember Gideon as a whimpering fool, a negotiator, a man who questioned God. But what if Gideon was just curious? What if Gideon was wise?

Some have said that since Gideon threshed underground, he was afraid. He threshed grain below ground to keep it safe, not because he was timid. The Midianites were ravaging the land. Everything above ground was destroyed. The Israelites were working smarter not foolishly.

Gideon also just questioned the Angel—conversationally,

“Pardon me, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian,” Judges‬ ‭6‬:‭13‬, ‭NIV‬‬.

The only people Gideon was truly afraid of were his own people—due to their rebellion from God.

“So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the Lord told him. But because he was afraid of his family and the townspeople, he did it at night rather than in the daytime.”

‭‭Judges‬ ‭6‬:‭27‬, NIV‬‬.

They had chosen to worship idols instead of the one true God. Gideon spoke truth, but knew his life would be payment for his deeds, if caught.

Later Gideon bravely went forth to battle—but did double check his facts. He was headed out to do something unbelievable. He didn’t want to do it wrong.

As you can tell, I like Gideon. He used words, questions and sought the truth. He wasn’t a wimp, but a man of God. A mighty man of God (Hebrew 11:32-34).

When Gideon blew the trumpet—he was ready—but he checked his facts one more time—and the fleece was wet then dry. (Judges 6:36-40)

Like any task God asks us to do, we need to do it to the best of our abilities. We better check our facts, rewrite our first draft and present our best efforts as a gift to our Lord. Gideon did that well. As a result—God was once again awed by His people, and the battle was won.

How are we doing today? Do we rightfully offer up our best? Or are we satisfied with “It’s good enough?”

(Comment at the bottom of the blog, I’m sure others will appreciate your words, too.)

Father,

Thank You for the example of Gideon, a mighty man of God. Thank You for the Gideons in our generation—stepping out boldly to do what You have asked them to do. To go boldly into the night.

Thank You Father that You are still on Your throne, still in control even when we feel out of our depth.

You are the Great I Am. Thank You for calling Your children forward into battle at such a time as this.

Help us to pray, love, surrender and serve as King Jesus has done. Help us to know the difference between wrong and right and stand up for Your truth as Gideon did.

Help us to be Your obedient, faithful children—not for a record-keeping event, but for Your honor and glory.

We love You.

Amen.