The history of Gideon is fascinating. There is a reason why his story is so commonly shared with young people at Vacation Bible School, etc. But before he was smashing jars and blowing trumpets (Judges 7:19-21), he was wrestling with difficult questions.
And Gideon said to him, “Please, sir, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the LORD has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.” (Judges 6:13)
Gideon knew what it was to feel as though he had been abandoned. He knew what it was to be confused. He knew what it was to be hurt and fearful.
What message does Gideon have for us when we have similar questions? What should we do when we struggle with painful things?
· Cry out to the LORD for help (Judges 6:6-7).
· When we are hurt…crushed…confused…tired…our first response must be to cry out to Him!
· This is not the time to turn away…or hide…this is the time to plead for help and guidance!
· Remember who God is (Judges 6:8-10).
· He is the One who sends prophets with messages of hope when the days are dark.
· He is the One who delivers freedom to the captives.
· He is the One who drives out enemies from their strongholds.
· He is the One who keeps His promises.
· Believe in the sign (Judges 6:17, 21-23).
· Gideon asked for a sign of assurance that God was going to deliver His people from their pain.
· He received more than enough of a guarantee!
· As Christians living in the age of Jesus and His Church, we have been given more than enough of a guarantee as well:
· The Cross of Christ & the Empty Tomb—we know we are loved and that our future is secure (John 3:14-16; 12:32-33; Heb. 2:14)
I often need to be reminded of the biblical story of Gideon. ‘m guessing you do too.
