The Least of These

Read: Judges 6&7

“And the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are...” – 1 Corinthians 1:28

The Bible constantly chronicles God’s method of choosing the weak to prove His strength. During the Midianite oppression of Israel, God chose to use Gideon to deliver His people. Scholars tell us that Gideon came from the weakest clan in Manasseh and was the least in his family.

Gideon struggled with God’s call and wavered in his faith. He used an animal’s fleece as a sign, which God miraculously kept wet or dry according to Gideon’s prayer. God did not want Gideon to take credit for the victory against the Midianites. Therefore, before the fighting even began, God used a series of tests and dwindled Gideon’s army down to just three hundred men.

Then, God’s Spirit came upon Gideon and gave him a plan to deliver God’s people. In the midst of all of the bright lights and trumpet blasts, God confused the Midianite army. They ended up warring against one another. Even though the Israelites were outnumbered and had no weapons of war, they won the battle anyway.

When I remember the oppressive circumstances, which make up my past, I recall frequently feeling that they were impossible to overcome. I lost courage so often. I begged God for signs to pump up my faith, just like Gideon did with his fleece. From my years as a new Believer to those now as a veteran child of the King, I can testify with certainty that God always works all things out for my good (Romans 8:28). He will undoubtedly do the same for you, if you will courageously surrender the control of your life to Him, and dare to trust Him with the outcome.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, never let us put our confidence in the multitude of our chariots and in the greatness of our horsemen, but let us always look to You to deliver us (Isaiah 31:1). Remind us that You are faithful to Your children and that You use even the worst of circumstances for our good.

Thought for the Day

When I am my weakest, He is the strongest (2 Corinthians 12:10); and He uses me the most.

Surely, God is My Helper

Read: Psalm 46:1-3

“I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.” - Ecclesiastes 9:11

I am so glad that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted. He cares about our soul – our mind, will and emotions - when we are so emotionally wounded that we can barely hold up our head or even take deep breaths. In this world, we will have many troubles – spiritual, mental, emotional, financial and physical, but God promises to deliver us out of them all (Psalm 34:18-19).

God is a refuge for the oppressed, and a stronghold in times of trouble (Psalm 9:9). We can run to Him and be saved.  When we take refuge in Him,He helps us and delivers us from evil (Psalm 37:39-40). We are never alone. No matter what trial befalls us, we can rest assured that someone else has already walked this path before us, and tomorrow someone else will enter into it. God gives us the light of His Word, so that we can use it to illuminate our path, and the path of others who follow after us. We can trust in God at all times, and pour out our heart to Him (Psalm 62:8). The Lord is our sustainer (Psalm 54:4) as we walk through life (James 1:2-4).

I will sing of His strength and His love, because He is my fortress (Psalm 59:16). My salvation and my honor depend on God, and I have nothing to fear. He is my mighty rock (Psalm 62:7). When I call upon Him, He answers me, and makes me bold and stouthearted as I face my enemies (Psalm 138:3).

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, let me not consider myself wise or to boast in my wisdom, strength or riches. I know that the swift will not escape, the strong will not muster their strength, and the warrior will not save his own life. The archer will not stand his ground, the fleet-footed soldier will not get away, and the horseman will not save his own life. It is only in You that we find our safety, our provision, our strength and our salvation.

Thought for the Day:

I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. – Habakkuk 3:18

Man of Conviction

Read: Daniel 6:22-26

"I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For He is the living God and He endures forever." - Daniel 6:26

Daniel chose to be different rather than to dishonor his vows before God. All of those around him watched with skepticism and derision, yet with an inkling of respect too. His work ethic and respectful submission to authority gained him favor in the eyes of the kingdom authorities. Jealousy in his fellow officials eventually got him thrown into the Lion’s Den; but Daniel’s faith in God miraculously delivered him from these ravenous beasts.

After this, God used Daniel to encourage his Jewish kinsmen. By living as a man of conviction, Daniel also rose in the ranks of government and ended up ministering for seventy years as a trusted counselor in Babylon. As he increased in power and influence, God also utilized him as a witness to an entire nation, who’s King eventually decreed that they all worship the one true God.

Though our current circumstance may be less than desirable, we can take courage from Daniel. He lived for God with total devotion, even through the dark night in the Lion’s Den. Let’s be men and women of conviction and trust and serve our Living God with our whole heart. He will make use of us as salt and light in a dying world of darkness, just as he employed Daniel in his day and time.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, help us to walk down the straight and narrow path, even when all of our friends or family members want us to take the easy road. Help us to live up to our convictions on a daily basis and please provide for our needs abundantly above all we could ever ask or think.

Thought for the Day:

Regardless of your current situation, determine to live for God with committed conviction and dedicated devotion.