Foundations Week 14, Day 1

Scripture Read:  Judges 6- 7
Title: Gideon
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H.E.A.R. Entry
(H) Highlight verse:  "And the angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, 'The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.'  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 the 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 the Midianites.'" Judges 6:12, 13

(E) Explain:  The story of Gideon begins in Judges 6 and we see again the nation of Israel did what was evil in the sight of God, so He gave them over to the hand of the Midianites to oppress them.  The Midianites and Amalekites were kind of like school yard bullies to Israel.  The Israelites were afraid of them so they would build their homes in the mountains and grow crops but when harvest time came the Midianites and Amalekites would come and take their lunch money so to speak by overpowering them and taking all their crops.  The people of God cried out to the Lord for help and the Lord sends a prophet to tell them it is because of their unfaithfulness to him is why all this is happening. 
The response to their oppression was pretty typical.  Many people are like this today; they spend their lives ignoring God and his ways and doing what is evil in his sight, but then when something bad happens they cry out to God for help.  However in his response we see God’s patience and mercy because he continually sends aid throughout Judges, the Bible and even today.  He is faithful to hear us when we cry out to him even when we have not been faithful to him.
 
(A) Application:  There are many application point in the account of Gideon’s life.  They are simple, memorable and encouraging for us today.

1. When God makes a promise he keeps the promise no matter how much the odds are stacked against you.
2. God may call us to do difficult tasks, and that may put you at odds with your family, friends and loved ones, but we must remain faithful to God.
3. God chooses some unique ways to win battles and he chooses some very ordinary men and women to accomplish extraordinary things.  

(R) Respond: Lord, may we learn from Gideon that you are a God who makes the impossible possible.  Nothing is too difficult for you.  May I be an open and willing vessel who is always available to be used bu you?