Running Into The Battle

(Part 2 – Changing Our Perspective)

Today I want to take a look at Gideon and the battle he faced. Sometimes, before we are ready to run into the battle, we need a change in our perspective

Key Text:
Judges‬ ‭6‬:‭14, 16‬‬
“The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?””

The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.”

In the continuation of our series “Running Into The Battle,” we delve into the story of Gideon as recorded in Judges 6. This sermon builds on the previous discussion about David and Goliath from 1 Samuel 17, emphasizing the importance of running into battles with faith and courage.

Key Themes

Renew Your Strength

• Strengthen Yourself in the Lord: Before engaging in any battle, take time to renew your strength through the provisions God has given you.
• Repeat the Promises of Victory: Continuously remind yourself of the victories God has already achieved in your life.

Change Your Perspective

• God Cares for You: Even in battles of our own making, God shows up when we cry out to Him, indicating His deep care for us.
• God Has a Plan: Every battle has a divine plan behind it. Trust that God’s plan, though sometimes incomprehensible, leads to victory.

Cry Out for Help

• Begin with Prayer: The Israelites’ deliverance began when they cried out to God. Similarly, our battles should start with earnest prayer.

Obedience and Repentance

• Keys to Victory: Before running into battle, address any issues of obedience and repentance. God sent a prophet to Israel to remind them of their disobedience before delivering them from the Midianites.

Avoid Incomplete Victories

• Seek Complete Victory: Avoid settling for man-made solutions that offer incomplete victories. Trust in God’s comprehensive plan for your life.

Gideon’s Story: A Lesson in Faith

In Judges 6:14-16, God calls Gideon to “go in the strength you have” and promises to be with him, ensuring victory over the Midianites. This passage reveals God’s assurance and the necessity for Gideon to change his perspective from doubt to trust.

Key Lessons from Gideon’s Encounter

• God Calls Out the Warrior in Us: Despite Gideon’s initial doubts, God saw him as a “mighty warrior,” teaching us that God often sees potential in us that we might not recognize.
• Clean Your House: Before Gideon could lead Israel into battle, he was instructed to destroy his father’s altar to Baal. This act symbolizes the need to remove idols and distractions that hinder our spiritual battles.

Practical Applications

• Personalize God’s Love: Understand that God’s love is not just for the world but for you individually.
• Trust in God’s Plan: Even when His plans seem illogical, like reducing Gideon’s army from 32,000 to 300, trust that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
• Persevere in Prayer: Like the persistent widow in Luke 18, continue to cry out to God for justice and help.

In conclusion, running into the battle requires a shift in perspective, a trust in God’s plan, and a commitment to obedience and prayer. As we learn from Gideon’s example, may we be encouraged to face our battles with the assurance that God is with us, calling us to be the mighty warriors He sees in us.

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