But if you are afraid to go down, go down to the camp with Purah your servant. (Judges 7:10 ESV)
When God asks us to do something it can be daunting, terrifying even, and cause us to fear. Maybe it is moving to a new city, asking someone if they know Jesus, or even quitting a job.
Gideon, a Judge in the Old Testament, experienced many daunting challenges at God’s request. There is encouragement for us in the story of Gideon; God didn’t look at Gideon as a failure because he was afraid and questioned God about the things he was supposed to do. In fact, each time he was afraid, God met him where he was at and provided for him.
In this verse, we read that Gideon was afraid to go down to the camp alone. So, God told him to go with one of his servants. God could have easily said, “In your fear you have failed Me, and I will use somebody else!” but he didn’t.
Don’t feel as if you’ve failed when God has called you to do something and you feel afraid; he will provide a way for you to make it through your fears and succeed. Being afraid is okay, but succumbing to that fear and being disobedient is not. God will call us to do hard things in our lifetime, but as with Gideon, He will be ever present and strong in our weakness!
Be encouraged today, and trust our good God to equip you for the work laid before you!
Pastor Mike Says 