Read: Judges 6-7:22
Do you ever find it hard to have faith in God? The flesh certainly wants to trust in itself rather than God because after all, how common is it that we want control? That’s hard. Isn’t it? The essence of the faith walk of serving God comes down to trust. Do you trust the Lord?
Hebrews 11:1 says “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (ESV). You may have heard this before, but it’s worth repeating: faith is like the wind, you can feel it and see the results of it, but you cannot physically see the wind itself, yet we know it is there. Throughout the Bible, we see numerous signs and wonders that God did. He is still doing them today, yet we find a way to doubt the Lord and struggle at times in the faith walk. Doubt is common as we are in the flesh, constantly waging war against our spirit man. However, what is most important is what we do with the doubt! Do we trust God or do we doubt Him staying in a state of compromised faith?
In Judges 6-8 we see how God gives Gideon the victory despite a vast disadvantage. The angel of the Lord appears to him and says “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.” (ref Judges 6:12). The Lord calls Gideon to go and save Israel from the hand of Midian, whom were oppressing Israel. Gideon’s clan was the weakest in Manasseh and he was last in his father’s house. Gideon was literally the last possible choice it seems (by human standards)-but God. As you read throughout chapter 6 you will see how Gideon wanted extra confirmation. He asked the angel who spoke to him to show him a sign (ref Judges 6:17-22) and he asked not once, but twice concerning the fleece (ref Judges 6: 36-40). I can only imagine how Gideon felt. Nonetheless, God was faithful to confirm these things to Gideon and he continued to move forward in what God was calling him to do. God had strengthened him.
As we move forward, we see how God worked with Gideon’s army. He started with 32,000 men, which was reduced to 10,000, and then finally to 300 according to what God wanted. The army Gideon was to face was well over 100,000 men. How about those odds? Fast forward, as you read in chapter 7, we see that God gives the victory to Gideon and his men. Not one member of his army died in that battle (ref Judges 8:4). How is that possible? But God. There is much more regarding Gideon that we could get into as you would read further into chapter 8 but simply put, Gideon’s act of faith and obedience in the Lord led to deliverance from the enemy.
Faith in God moves mountains. When we operate in faith God gets the glory and we end up with the best possible result. Seems like a win win doesn’t it? Yet, we still doubt God and try to take things into our own hands. We all deal with a lack of trust at some point. However, the main thing is that we do not stay there and allow it to stop us from what God wants us to do. I am not sure if God has laid something on your heart to do or if He is simply trying to get your attention, but our encouragement to you is very simple and concise- “have faith in God”. You will never be disappointed when you step out in faith and obey the Lord. If you are hesitant or even having doubts, ask God for confirmation. It's very good to desire to be completely sure you are hearing correctly from the Lord. However, be honest with yourself. Are you looking genuinely for a confirmation from the Lord or are you just trying to put off what you already know God is calling you to do? This is something you will have to discern for yourself. It is always important to be sure of what God is asking or saying. He is not the author of confusion. Therefore, once we know, then we must act in faith and walk it out! Remember, nothing is too difficult for our God (ref Genesis 18: 14, Jeremiah 32:17 and 27). He is always faithful and will come through for you according to His will!
May God Be Praised.