Sunday Words of Encouragement January 5, 2020

I remained home this morning as I don’t want to share any remaining bug issues I have, and I am aware that many church members are sick too. I am drawing on a message shared in Sunday School in September. The message was from Judges 6 and 7 about Gideon.

Gideon was not a brave warrior. “Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites” Judges 6:11. Gideon was full of excuses. “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.” Judges 6:15.

God replied: The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.” Judges 6:16.

Throughout the Bible and throughout history, God calls those who will respond: examples are Oskar Schindler (a German industrialist and a member of the Nazi Party who is credited with saving the lives of 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust); Kathryn Kuhlman (an American evangelist known for hosting healing services); Kurt Warner (a football player who founded First Things First Foundation); and Billy Graham (an American evangelist known among the most influential Christian leaders of the 20th century. All of these people acknowledged that they did not give up but trusted through their faith.

God equips the called. He will be with you. He always wins when He leads the battle. You can trust God to be with you.

I like this song for this message and to start a New Year.

Judges 6:14 and 16 (NIV)
14 The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”
16 The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.”