Thursday, May 07, 2026
Dear Friend, today we explore Gideon's journey from doubt to bravery.
Today's Verse
"And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites. And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites. And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man."— Judges 6:11-16
Reflection
Gideon was hiding from the Midianites, threshing wheat when an angel called him a 'mighty man of valour.' Despite his doubts and feelings of inadequacy, God chose him to lead Israel. Today, like Gideon, we may feel unprepared or fearful. Yet, courage is not the absence of fear but trusting in God's presence and purpose for us.
Courage is taking action despite our fears, trusting God's guidance.
1-Minute Study: Understanding courage
Courage is often misunderstood as the absence of fear. However, the story of Gideon shows us that true courage is acting despite doubts and insecurities. Gideon questioned his ability, yet he moved forward because God assured him of His presence. Similarly, Joshua was told to be strong and courageous because God was with him (Joshua 1:9), and David faced Goliath with confidence because he trusted in God's power (1 Samuel 17:45-47). These stories remind us that courage comes from faith in God's promises, not our own strength.
Cross References: Joshua 1:9 • 1 Samuel 17:45-47 • 2 Timothy 1:7
Prayer of the Day
Lord, like Gideon, I often feel small and inadequate. Grant me the courage to trust in Your strength and step forward in faith. Remind me that You are with me in every challenge. Amen.
Today's Challenge
Identify one area of your life where fear holds you back. Take a small step today, trusting in God's presence.
Sacred Art Spotlight
Gideon, threshing wheat by the winepress, encounters the angel.