DEVOTION//A Lesson from Gideon

The angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.”

“‘Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the LORD has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian” (Judges 6:12,13). [Read the entire account in Judges 6-7.]

Come on, Gideon!

Did you really believe the LORD abandoned you and gave you over to the heathen Midianites? God doesn't abandon his people. He has sworn on the grave of his Son he will never leave or us or forsake us. Never.

The one who shepherds his people always brings us to quiet waters and green pastures. We may wander through dark valleys, but his love and power protect us, comfort us, banquet us, and honor us.

What's that, Gideon? You've been listening to our yammering about COVID-19? It sounds to you like we believe God can't provide for us and protect us from sickness, lay-offs, childcare issues, toilet-paper-hoarders?

I apologize for throwing shade, Gideon. You are right. The LORD who freed us from slavery, not just to Egypt, but to our sin, Satan, and hell, is able to see us through this time of disruption.

We don't have to know how he will do it. We don't have to see how he will do it. Our courage comes from knowing he will do it.

Even when we can't sense it, the LORD is keeping his promises to care for us. Jesus is the guarantee. Paul is right, "My God will fully supply your every need, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).