Gideon

As we begin the story of Israel’s fifth judge, the Israelites have again chosen to do turn away from God to follow sin instead.
So the Lord handed them over to the Midianites for seven years.
The cruel treatment of the Midianites had the Israelites hiding in mountains, caves, and anywhere they could to get away from their vicious oppressors. Even worse, the Israelites were starving because their enemies would attack to steal their crops, sheep, and cattle. God’s starving people cried out to Him for help.
We find Israel’s fifth judge hiding from the Midianites and the way God raises him as judge is truly amazing!
Gideon doesn’t share the Lord’s confidence in him. He doesn’t feel equipped to be sent as Israel’s rescuer.
Gideon is afraid and his insecurities are evident as he questions the Lord’s instructions. Jesus (the angel of the Lord) gives Him all the certainty he should need—
Judges 6:16 | The Lord said to him, “I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.”
Gideon is hearing from God Himself, and even after realizing this (vs. 22), he still doubts God’s ability to use him. He famously tests the Lord twice to ensure He can do what He says He will do. Join us as we discover how God is bigger than Gideon's doubts and insecurities- and ours!