Friday, December 08, 2006

The Faces of Fear

The Faces of Fear
Judges 7

In Judges 7 we see God preparing to lead His people against the Midianites. Here Gideon is the man chosen to lead the people and God does some amazing things prior to sending them into battle. What I see in this passage is the faces of fear and how fear moves us in various ways.

First, Fear Freezes: In verse 3, Gideon goes and tells the people what they are up against and proclaims "Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from the mount". Fear Freezes us from moving forward, from taking action and it keeps us from believing that God can do the impossible.

Next, Fear Faces: We see this in verses 10-11; "But it thou fear to go down, go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host..." God is saying OK, you are fearful, but if you go with others you will be able to face the battle. See, with God and others supporting us, we can face anything.

Fear also Flees: When it came time to fight the Midianites were strong and fearless, because of that God gave them the victory. Here no matter how strong the enemy they will turn and run in fear when we face our battles with God. "And they stood every man in his place round about the camp; and all the host ran, and cried, and fled." (vs. 21)

Best of all Fear Frees: How did God bring about the victory? They took their fear and placed it on the Word of God. We see them in verses 18 and 20 claim the sword of the Lord as their battle weapon. When we stand with God and know His Word, claim His promises we will be freed from our enemy. "Freedom (Victory) depends not on strength or numbers, but on obedience and commitment to Him" (Life Application Bible).

We all have fear at some point in our lives... how do you do fear? Do you face it with God to find Freedom? Or, does your fear freeze you from moving forward and in the end you flee? God always brings victory into our lives when we stand with Him and let Him lead our battles. Remember the Battle belongs to the Lord!

LDJ

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