The Holy Spirit of God! As Gideon trembled, hesitated, and doubted himself when he had to fight the battle against the Midianites he rose in victory, when in his fear he decided to believe in God and His power! During Gideon's time, Israel was being oppressed by the Midianites. They would raid Israel's crops and take their livestock, leaving the Israelites with very little.
One day, an angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and called him a "mighty warrior." Gideon was surprised by this title, as he felt anything but mighty. However, the angel told Gideon that he had been chosen by God to lead the Israelites in the battle against the Midianites.
Gideon was doubtful and insecure about his calling, so he asked God for a sign to prove that he was truly being called to lead the Israelites. Gideon asked that a fleece of wool placed on the ground be soaked with dew, while the surrounding ground remained dry. The next morning, Gideon found that the fleece was indeed wet, while the ground around it was dry.
Even with this sign, Gideon was still uncertain, so he asked for another sign. This time, he asked that the fleece be dry while the surrounding ground was wet with dew. The next morning, Gideon found that his request had been granted.
Encouraged by these signs, Gideon gathered an army of 32,000 men to fight the Midianites. However, God told Gideon that he had too many men and instructed him to send home anyone who was afraid. 22,000 men left, leaving only 10,000.
Then God said to keep only the ones who drank water by using their hands - leaving only 300 men.
God wanted to make sure Gideon and Israel's victory was not relying on the strength of His people but on His mighty hand.
Clearly, Gideon didn't want to go to battle. God said to him, " Arise, go down against the camp, for I have delivered it into your hand. But if you are afraid to go down, go down to the camp with Purah your servant."
Gideon remained hesitant despite the word of an angel and signs from God. It wasn't until he heard a dream and its interpretation, which affirmed that God was with him, that he finally felt like a 'mighty warrior'.
Despite his doubt, fear, and hesitation - with his army reduced by God to less than 1%, Gideon led the Israelites into battle against the Midianites. The Israelites won the battle, and Gideon became a judge and a hero in Israel.
We can doubt, fear, and tremble multiple times before going into battle - but God will not send us without giving us victory first. We must trust that it is not our power, but His power in us - His Holy Spirit with us!
"If we are afraid to go down - we must GO DOWN!!" The Holy Spirit is coming WITH US! He makes US "Mighty Warriors". Judges 6 and 7.
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