RTW April 2
Exhausted Yet…
Gideon then crossed the Jordan River with his 300 men, and though exhausted they continued to chase the enemy.
Judges 8:4
My Takeaways
Something Old
The weaker I am, the stronger I am.
Something New
- Gideon considered God’ past faithfulness when examining his future obstacles. God delivered the Midianites over to Gideon’s army in a big way. This is not something easily forgotten.
- Gideon learned friends may disappoint but God will remain true. The rejection of those on the east side of the Jordan made Gideon even more determined to press into God while pressing in on the enemy.
- Gideon discovered that victory can be experienced at the end of his weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:10)
Something to Do
Cross the finish line and give God the glory. Celebrate His work in my life.
My Takeaways: Same story, Israel does evil in the Lord’s sight.
Something Old: Sin is always sin. God doesn’t approve of wrong. Judges 9:30 “He had 70 sons born to him, for he had many wives.” Since when has God ever approved of a man having more then one wife? We saw this same mistake with Abraham and Hagar. Moral laziness always causes problems.
Something New: Judges 10:11-16 The Israelites found it very hard to follow God consistently. But God never forgot them. It is no different today. God is patient and continues to wait for me to call out in repentence to him. He wants me to do his will – not my will. So much unnecessary suffering takes place because I don’t call on God and follow his ways and want to go my way. Sin is real and will always produce powerful, damaging consequences. I am so very thankful that I have a merciful God who loves me and doesn’t punish me immediately for my sins. He loved me enough to send his son, Jesus. How can I not love him enough to follow his ways?
Something To Do: Strive to stay close to God. Put God in the center of my life. Learn from past mistakes. Never neglect God, always make God number one. Turn to him in the good times and bad times. Live for God everyday!