January 12
"'It is all right,' the LORD replied. 'Do not be afraid. You will not die.'" - Judges 6:23 (NLT)
Fear can be a prevalent and overwhelming reality in our lives if we let it control us with its often pervasive presence. It can be especially stubborn and recurrent in thoughts when we are anxious about unknown situations, new seasons, and unknown possibilities in future days or unknown circumstances. A New Year can evoke fear certainly especially if we are facing hard times or unknown situations. In our text today, even the hero Gideon was afraid. The angel of the Lord is speaking to Gideon, who seriously doubts he is the right man to lead the Israelites into battle against the Midianites. Hiding in a wine press, Gideon is paralyzed by fear of the enemy and a low self-image. Yet these are the kind of people God uses for His glory. “Do not fear” is the command appearing more than any other in Scripture. Richard Rohr in "Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life" says, “The most common one-liner in the Bible is, 'Do not be afraid.' Someone counted, and it occurs 365 times.”
Yet God chooses those who know they need His help over those who think that they can do it alone Why was Gideon afraid? Judges tells us "Then the LORD turned to him and said, 'Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!' 'But Lord,' Gideon replied, 'how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!' The LORD said to him, 'I will be with you...'" (Jdg.6:14-16). God promised to give Gideon the strength and power he needed to overcome both the enemy and his fear. In spite of this promise for success, Gideon made excuses. Seeing only his failures, limitations, and weaknesses, he was blind to how God could work through him. Like Gideon, we too are called to serve God in specific ways. God promises us his presence and the gifts and strength required. Yet we may still protest when called to a mission for God. But reminding God of our shortcomings implies he has made errors in evaluating our abilities. Don't waste time making excuses. Instead, spend it doing what God wants. He promises to be with you!
Prayer: God, Remove my fear today. Still my excuses. Amen.
Meditation For The Day: When fears remain God sustains.
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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