Judges 7:9-11 

New International Version (NIV)

If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp … and listen to what they are saying … [and] be encouraged.”

For Meditation

Gideon is an interesting Bible character.

The man was afraid. He had zero self-confidence and struggled with his commission. When God encouraged him, Gideon gave God a long list of reasons he couldn’t lead Israel against the Midianites. He moved under cover of darkness to tear down his father’s altar to Baal. He asked for a sign in his famous fleece setting (Judges 6:11-40). God stunned Gideon by sifting his army and reducing them to three hundred men against the Midianites (7:1-8). After all this, Gideon was anxious the night before the war.

God tenderly prodded him on with the last sign that sealed Gideon’s faith (9-17). He sent Gideon to eavesdrop on a conversation of two Midianite soldiers (9-11). Gideon heard the dream of one of them and its interpretation that assured Gideon of a stunning victory.

Never forget this, my friend. God knows your anxious moments, the times when your faith gets tested, and your confidence wanes; those times when your knees are knocking and the clouds of doom have stunted your vision. God stands by His children at such times to assure and encourage them. His voice is sweeter—His Presence, overwhelming. This much, my friend, you can be sure of as His faithful child.

You may be like Gideon this morning—unsure and anxious about a lot of things. Trust the Lord to teach you through it if you turn and commit everything to Him. He says in Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Your anxious moments could lead to a greater revelation of God and His providential hand in your life. So, be ready for the surprise of your life when God moves this week.