Good Morning!
Judges chapter 6.
When Israel does evil in the eyes of the Lord, God gives them into the hands of the Midianites. Israel doesn't turn to God until they are totally impoverished. They could have called out sooner for God's help. But the power or addiction of sin is so great. We can't let it go. We want to hang on to it for as long as we can. We want it for our life but it kills our life and soul.
Eventually they cry out to God. God wants to send Gideon and sends an angel to tell him but Gideon finds it hard to believe.
Circumstances and lack of self-confidence seem to be the two main reasons that influence his lack of faith.
I hate how I really really really want to trust God in what seems like an impossible situation, then as circumstances look even more gloomy, my faith weakens. I really want to trust God more but I let circumstances and my lack of confidence dwindle down my faith.
When Gideon finally believes that God is with him and is wanting to use him he obeys God. He obeys God by tearing down the false gods of his father. He is fearful because he could die for doing such a thing. But God takes care of him. Am I willing 2 obey God even if it may result in death? Am I willing to stand up for Jesus no matter what the circumstances? Jesus said in Mark 8:35 “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it but whoever loses his life for Me and the Gospel will save it.”
Lord help me stand up for you no matter what!
Help me let go of sin when it first happens.
Help me trust you more regardless of the circumstances or my perceived own abilities.
Amen!

I can relate to Gideon sometimes with the lack of faith that he displayed when he encountered the angel of the Lord. How many times am I in situations where I act the same way? May the Lord help us to be brave for Him.
I’m also reminded of 1 Corinthians 1:26-29.
“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.”
Today’s ApologetiX song is Gideon (Man of God), a parody of Get It On.
https://youtu.be/41TU3rjJ6RI