Wednesday – History

Reading – Judges 7-8

Highlight Verse:

“Therefore, tell the people, ‘Whoever is timid or afraid may leave this mountain and go home.’” So 22,000 of them went home, leaving only 10,000 who were willing to fight.”
‭‭Judges‬ ‭7‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Over half of the soldiers in Gideon’s army chickened out.

Way over half.

I know, God wanted a smaller army. Even smaller than the ten thousand remaining.

But – over half?

This might be why the Israelites were so oppressed. There seemed to be quite a lack of courage.

But, do we have any more courage?

I’m not talking about our military. I don’t doubt their courage.

Do we have the courage to defend our faith?

Do we back down when attacked by those who would suppress us?

I am struggling not to sound political here. Politics could use a little faith and courage. But I’m talking about not being shy about our faith.

It’s worth noting that Gideon’s brave warriors who went into the battle did so be specifically following God’s peculiar instructions.

We can defend and advance our faith by following God’s instructions in a loving and bold manner.

What does it mean to be courageous in the context of your faith?
What are ways that you have been loving and bold about your faith?
What is your next step in living your faith out loud?