Judges 6:1-6 – “The Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight, so the Lord turned them over to Midian for seven years. ² The Midianites overwhelmed Israel. Because of Midian, the Israelites made shelters for themselves in the hills, caves, and strongholds. ³ Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and the people from the east would attack them. ⁴ They invaded the land and devoured its crops all the way to Gaza. They left nothing for the Israelites to eat, and they took away the sheep, oxen, and donkeys. ⁵ When they invaded with their cattle and tents, they were as thick as locusts. Neither they nor their camels could be counted. They came to devour the land. ⁶ Israel was so severely weakened by Midian that the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help.”

As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, I was both challenged and encouraged, and I gained insight and enlightenment. A ray of hope broke forth in my heart.

In the account of Gideon in Judges 6, we see something interesting, and even in the negative, there is encouragement. Gideon was “hiding.” He saw himself as small and insignificant. That’s one of the reasons God chose him; he wasn’t full of himself.

The angel came and declared him to me a valiant warrior! That literally made Gideon laugh. He knew the condition of Israel and his own timidity. It sounded like a joke! The angel told him to deliver Israel and said, “You have the strength.” Gideon did not immediately surrender and commit; rather, he doubted and hesitated.

Then Jephthah’s story is one revealing that God can bypass our doubt if we are obedient. Faith is required to please God, but the Kingdom is of utmost importance. Jephthah made a stupid vow out of his doubt that cost him his only daughter. Doubt is costly.

Then, in 2 Timothy, something challenged me that I had not previously considered. In 2 Timothy 1:5-6, we love to quote “No Fear but Power!” Consider the context. Paul focused on the heritage of faith and said in verse 6, Because of your faith heritage, “rekindle” (stir up) the gift you possess through the laying on of my hands. In that context, he gives verse 7 – “For God has not given us a Spirit of Fear…” Don’t be afraid to use your gift! Stir up your gift and take action. Be a good soldier! Soldiers have a singular focus and purpose.

Let our confidence in God, our hope in Christ, and our faith in the Truth motivate us to act. Remember what is ahead as is revealed in 2 Timothy 3:1-5. Don’t become like those who “maintain the outward appearance (words, not deeds).”

Don’t let doubt that you are usable steal your dream or call. No Fear, God is near! Stir up and refresh your gift, then reject fear and step out! Look at Gideon. Defeated over 120,000 with 300. Impossible, naturally, but if Christ is in us, we don’t operate only on the natural.

No Fear! LORD, help us to live emptied of self and without fear!