Who Said It Is Over For You!

Judges 6:15-16

New International Version (NIV)

“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”

The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.”

For meditation

Gideon’s story stands out in biblical history. Despite God’s appearance and promises to use him to deliver Israel, Gideon could not see himself as a mighty warrior (Judges 6:11-40). He asked for evidence (17-18), acted in secrecy (27), and repeatedly sought reassurance (33-40). Yet God remained endlessly patient with him.

Sometimes, we feel too weak to accept God’s assurances. Although we know He is faithful, our circumstances seem to prove otherwise. Problems appear insurmountable. Reality seems final; we feel God did not arrive in time.

But wait! Who says things are hopeless?

Remember when Manchester United scored two quick goals in three minutes of injury time to defeat Bayern Munich in the 1999 UEFA Champions League final? What fueled their confidence and stunned the world?

While opinions vary on Manchester’s confidence, Christians know our confidence is in the Lord. He determines every outcome, and it isn’t over until He says it is.

Sarah and Abraham thought it was over at eighty-nine and ninety-nine, but God’s word prevailed. They became parents to Isaac a year later (Gen. 21:2). Age did not stop God from fulfilling His promise. You can trust that for your life.

Trapped by the Red Sea with mountains beside them and Pharaoh’s army closing in, Israel seemed doomed. But God acted—Moses stretched his hand, the sea parted, and the Israelites crossed safely, while Pharaoh’s forces drowned (Ex. 14:10-31). Nothing is impossible for the Lord.

Jericho was fortified against Israel’s army. Unsure of what to do, they followed the Commander of the Lord’s instructions. After six days of marching and a climactic seventh day, the priests blew their trumpets, the army shouted, and Jericho’s walls fell. Israel captured the city, and fear gripped Canaan (Joshua 6:2-5, 20). That’s Jehovah’s power.

A Philistine giant taunted Israel. While Saul and his army were afraid, a young boy stepped forward with a shepherd’s staff, a sling, and five stones. He invoked “the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel” (1 Sam. 17:45), and with one slingshot, the Holy Spirit guided the stone to Goliath’s forehead. Goliath fell dead. When the Lord is with you, no giant can stand against you.

So, tell me. Why are you terrified today? What has overwhelmed you? What is intimidating you?

Whether it is a doctor’s report, a foreclosure notice, a job interview or evaluation, a grocery budget deficit, impending retirement, or looming divorce, I know you will overcome it by the grace and power of God. 

I am convinced God’s incomparable power works in me, the same power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the heavens (Eph. 1:19-20). So, I am more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37)—and so are you. Trust in the Lord, and may His peace rest upon you.

Pray with Me

Father, thank you that your promises never fail. Help me trust in your power to accomplish the impossible at the most ridiculous time to shame the enemy. All glory to you in Jesus’ glorious name. Amen. 

Shalom

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