Are you reading the Bible through with me? Grab your pen and journal, and get ready to write your thoughts as you journey through the Bible. Today our reading comes from Judges 4-6. As we move through our study of Judges, you will see a developing pattern of sin and judgment. Reread the following chapters and verses on sin and judgment: 2:11, 2:16-20, 3:7-8, 3:12-14, 4:1-3, 6:1-2. And this is just the first six chapters with only five judges! Deborah’s judgeship demonstrates God’s prerogative to choose and commission whomever HE chooses to represent Him. And then came Gideon. The Angel of the Lord appeared to him saying “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” We, like Gideon, often forget that God sees us not only as we are, but as what we can become when we trust and obey Him. And like Gideon, we often try to distract God from His call to salvation or service with self-imposed reasoning as to why we aren’t the one He wants. But notice that the Lord didn’t flinch nor even respond to Gideon’s questions or comments. He went straight to the point (6:14). As Gideon learned, when God calls, He isn’t interested in our excuses, only our trust and obedience. When God calls, HE equips, empowers, and escorts us from start to finish when we trust and obey. It took Gideon some time, but God doesn’t always call and use those with perfect faith. He meets us where we are and moves us deeper in our faith. In your journal, write what God has called you to do. Tithe? Witness? Teach? Serve? Sacrifice? Be a missionary? Adopt a child or sponsor a child in need and teach him or her the ways of the Lord? Mentor a young person? Write what is holding you back and what you will do to improve your obedience. PRAY: Lord God, help me to be a willing servant to whatever You call me to be and do. My heart’s desire is a faith that grows ever deeper and a heart that longs to obey.
