Oct. 31, 2024

Ch5: Episode 3: Gideon's Call: Overcoming Fear with Divine Strength

Ch5: Episode 3: Gideon's Call: Overcoming Fear with Divine Strength
The player is loading ...
Ch5: Episode 3: Gideon's Call: Overcoming Fear with Divine Strength

Welcome to Episode 3 of "Gifts of No Return," hosted by Connie Morris. In this episode, titled "Gideon's Call," we explore the timeless and unchanging nature of God's call in our lives. We'll dive into the story of Gideon as recorded in Judges 6, focusing on the theme of "Overcoming Fear with Divine Calling."

Join us as we examine Gideon's initial fear and feelings of inadequacy, the angel's unexpected greeting, and Gideon's journey from fear to faith and leadership. This story serves as a powerful reminder that God often calls those who feel least qualified and that His strength can help us overcome our deepest fears.

We'll take a step-by-step look at Gideon's story, understand the context of the Israelites' oppression by the Midianites, and see how Gideon's obedience to God's call transformed his life and the lives of his people. Learn how to recognize and confront your fears, trust in God's strength, take small steps of faith, and seek support from others.

Conclude the episode with decrees for overcoming fear, relying on divine strength, faith and obedience, and community support. Reflect on how God's strength has helped you in the past and how He can continue to guide you in your journey.

Don't miss this inspiring episode that encourages you to embrace the gifts and calling God has placed within you. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll explore Deborah's bold leadership and how God's call can defy cultural and societal norms.

00:00 - Introduction to Gideon’s Call

09:58 - The Consequences of Disobedience

12:21 - The Context of Gideon’s Story

18:18 - Gideon’s First Act of Obedience

20:38 - God’s Desire for Repentance and Restoration

22:26 - Gideon’s Encounter with the Angel of the Lord

27:37 - Gideon’s Obedience in Fear

34:07 - Recognizing and Confronting Our Fears

34:47 - Trusting in God’s Strength for His Calling

36:29 - Seeking Support from Others

38:19 - Gideon’s Journey of Faith and Obedience

39:33 - Decree for Overcoming Fear

39:39 - Decree for Divine Strength

39:56 - Decree for Faith and Obedience

40:11 - Decree for Community Support

1
00:00:00,017 --> 00:00:06,377
Well, welcome back to the Gifts of No Return, Episode 3, Gideon's Call,

2
00:00:06,717 --> 00:00:13,197
where we will explore the timeless and unchanging nature of God's call in our lives.

3
00:00:13,437 --> 00:00:19,757
I'm your host, Connie Morris, and in our last episode, we discussed Paul's dramatic

4
00:00:19,757 --> 00:00:25,317
conversion and how God's call can transform any life.

5
00:00:25,537 --> 00:00:32,397
Today, we'll dive into the story of Gideon as recorded in Judges 6 with the

6
00:00:32,397 --> 00:00:36,777
theme, Overcoming Fear with Divine Calling.

7
00:00:37,137 --> 00:00:42,377
We'll look at Gideon's initial fear and feelings of inadequacies,

8
00:00:42,377 --> 00:00:50,457
the angel's unexpected greeting, and Gideon's journey from fear to faith and leadership.

9
00:00:50,817 --> 00:00:58,037
This story is a powerful reminder that God often calls those who feel least

10
00:00:58,037 --> 00:01:03,997
qualified and that his strength can help us overcome our deepest fears.

11
00:01:04,317 --> 00:01:09,177
So let's explore Gideon's remarkable journey together.

12
00:01:10,283 --> 00:01:17,803
So Gideon's story, like I said, is found in Judges chapter 6,

13
00:01:17,923 --> 00:01:22,223
and I think it's 1 through, I think it's 13,

14
00:01:22,563 --> 00:01:25,963
1 through about 7, 1 through 25.

15
00:01:27,103 --> 00:01:31,043
And we're going to take it part by part with some side journeys to help you

16
00:01:31,043 --> 00:01:34,863
understand how did Gideon and the Israelites get here?

17
00:01:35,203 --> 00:01:38,863
What was Gideon's yes? What happened after yes?

18
00:01:38,863 --> 00:01:44,003
She's going to journey with us And we're going to picture ourselves inside of

19
00:01:44,003 --> 00:01:51,343
Gideon's story So let's start by understanding the context of Gideon's story During this time,

20
00:01:51,403 --> 00:01:56,063
the Israelites were oppressed by the Midianites So if you read your Bible,

21
00:01:56,163 --> 00:02:01,043
you know there's a lot of ites in the Bible And God uses the ites to keep the

22
00:02:01,043 --> 00:02:03,683
Israelites in order right?

23
00:02:03,963 --> 00:02:08,763
And so this particular time and period is these Midianites.

24
00:02:09,043 --> 00:02:13,803
And because they have done evil in the eyes of the Lord, the Israelites,

25
00:02:14,083 --> 00:02:17,643
God uses the Midianites to keep them in order.

26
00:02:17,923 --> 00:02:23,943
So let's pick it up in verse, Judges chapter six, one through six,

27
00:02:23,983 --> 00:02:31,263
and let's read what was going on at that time where God had called Gideon out.

28
00:02:31,463 --> 00:02:37,483
He called Gideon out. Let's read it. The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord.

29
00:02:37,583 --> 00:02:45,003
And for seven years, he gave them into the hands of the Midianites. Seven years.

30
00:02:45,923 --> 00:02:52,243
Because the power of the Midians were so oppressive, The Israelites prepared

31
00:02:52,243 --> 00:02:55,523
shelters for themselves In mountain cliffs,

32
00:02:55,863 --> 00:03:01,903
caves, and strongholds So they hid from them Whenever the Israelites planted their crops.

33
00:03:02,902 --> 00:03:09,202
The Midianites, the Amalekites, and other eastern people invaded the country.

34
00:03:09,382 --> 00:03:15,362
They camped on the land and ruined the crops all the way to Gaza and did not

35
00:03:15,362 --> 00:03:20,782
spare a living thing for Israel, neither sheep nor cattle nor donkey.

36
00:03:21,622 --> 00:03:25,642
They produced their livestock and their tents like swarms of locusts.

37
00:03:25,642 --> 00:03:27,702
Whatever they had, they destroyed.

38
00:03:28,022 --> 00:03:34,942
It was impossible to count them or their camels. They invaded the land to ravage it.

39
00:03:35,402 --> 00:03:41,582
Midians so impoverished the Israelites that they cried out to the Lord for help.

40
00:03:41,902 --> 00:03:49,602
So we see here that the Israelites at this time were being, they were being scavenged.

41
00:03:49,662 --> 00:03:54,382
They were being, their property, they said nothing was left behind.

42
00:03:54,622 --> 00:04:03,942
So they were hiding during the time. They would plant their seeds and grains at the time of harvest.

43
00:04:04,202 --> 00:04:13,302
The Midianites, the Amakites, and whoever could would come and take their land, take all their stuff.

44
00:04:14,082 --> 00:04:18,142
Sometimes we know people who always are a victim.

45
00:04:18,982 --> 00:04:23,902
Something always negative is happening in their lives. Not saying God did it.

46
00:04:23,902 --> 00:04:28,762
We have an evil who comes to steal, kill, and destroy.

47
00:04:29,102 --> 00:04:35,542
And sometimes the activities we do open up that gate that things happen always in a negative.

48
00:04:35,802 --> 00:04:39,662
And I don't know if you know anyone like that, right? But let's see what happened.

49
00:04:39,742 --> 00:04:47,242
What opened the door to this, the Israelites and Gideon to have this happen to them.

50
00:04:47,382 --> 00:04:51,062
Let's go to verses seven to verse 10.

51
00:04:51,062 --> 00:04:55,082
Let's read one verse at a time Let's just read it a little bit all together

52
00:04:55,082 --> 00:05:01,042
Verse 7 to 10 It said when the Israelites cried out to the Lord Because of Midian,

53
00:05:01,682 --> 00:05:04,482
He sent them a prophet So God heard them

54
00:05:04,482 --> 00:05:11,442
He sent them a prophet who said This is what the Lord The God of Israel says

55
00:05:11,442 --> 00:05:17,242
I brought you up out of Egypt Out of the land of slavery I rescued you from

56
00:05:17,242 --> 00:05:22,282
the hand Of the Egyptians I delivered you from the hand of all your oppressors.

57
00:05:22,342 --> 00:05:27,762
I drove them out before you and gave you their land.

58
00:05:27,982 --> 00:05:35,922
I said to you, I am the Lord your God. Do not worship the gods of the Amorites in whose land you live.

59
00:05:36,142 --> 00:05:41,222
But you did not listen to me. Whoa. Whoa.

60
00:05:42,098 --> 00:05:45,338
The Lord was, did it sound like he was happy at that moment?

61
00:05:45,498 --> 00:05:51,178
He said, I delivered you. I told you this is your land, but do not go over there

62
00:05:51,178 --> 00:05:54,018
worshiping any other God.

63
00:05:54,138 --> 00:05:56,838
But you did not listen to me.

64
00:05:57,058 --> 00:06:02,618
So if you know the Bible, we know that the book of Judges counts how Israel

65
00:06:02,618 --> 00:06:06,898
will worship God, obey him, and then God will rescue them.

66
00:06:07,118 --> 00:06:12,358
And then they'll go back to doing worshiping other gods. And so during this

67
00:06:12,358 --> 00:06:16,698
time, God says, I told you not to worship this other God.

68
00:06:16,978 --> 00:06:22,358
So the Israelites repeatedly fall into sin, particularly idolatry,

69
00:06:22,358 --> 00:06:26,478
which leads to their oppression by surrounding nations.

70
00:06:27,438 --> 00:06:32,338
But when they cry out to God, he raises up judges, military leaders,

71
00:06:32,398 --> 00:06:36,038
and deliverers who will rescue them from their enemies.

72
00:06:36,038 --> 00:06:44,198
However, after each deliverance, the cycle begins again with the Israelites falling back into sin.

73
00:06:44,458 --> 00:06:50,678
So let's walk through the story about why were the Israelites and Gideon in this situation.

74
00:06:51,118 --> 00:06:56,698
Verse 7, At this point in Israel's history, the Midianites were severely oppressing

75
00:06:56,698 --> 00:07:01,618
the Israelites, causing them to live in fear and poverty. The Israelites,

76
00:07:01,918 --> 00:07:05,818
recognizing their dire situation, cried out to God for help.

77
00:07:06,038 --> 00:07:12,078
This cry is significant because it represents their acknowledgement of their

78
00:07:12,078 --> 00:07:18,858
need for divine intervention, even though it is driven by desperation rather

79
00:07:18,858 --> 00:07:20,798
than genuine repentance.

80
00:07:21,258 --> 00:07:26,918
So they know they were wrong and they know they need help, but they're not in the repentance heart.

81
00:07:27,158 --> 00:07:33,658
That's verse 7. Verse 8, instead of immediately sending a deliverer as he had

82
00:07:33,658 --> 00:07:38,698
in the past, God first sent a prophet to remind the Israelites first.

83
00:07:40,216 --> 00:07:43,336
Of their history and covenant relationship with him.

84
00:07:43,456 --> 00:07:49,416
The prophet message begins by recounting God's past acts of deliverance,

85
00:07:49,496 --> 00:07:57,276
specifically the exodus from Egypt, which is a foundational event in Israel's identity.

86
00:07:57,756 --> 00:08:04,716
This reminder serves to contrast God's faithfulness with Israel's current unfaithfulness.

87
00:08:04,936 --> 00:08:12,736
So they were delivered back in Exodus from Pharaoh's army. Remember the plagues?

88
00:08:12,836 --> 00:08:19,696
And so Moses delivered them from their enemy, walked across dry land of the

89
00:08:19,696 --> 00:08:24,696
Red Sea, and yet they seem to have forgot that deliverance.

90
00:08:24,816 --> 00:08:28,276
And now they're crying out to God again for help.

91
00:08:28,276 --> 00:08:35,496
In verse 9, the prophet continues to recount how God not only delivered Israel

92
00:08:35,496 --> 00:08:41,356
from Egypt, but also from all other subsequent oppressors.

93
00:08:41,356 --> 00:08:45,476
I keep delivering you guys. And they entered the promised land.

94
00:08:45,696 --> 00:08:50,296
God has fought for Israel, driving out their enemies, giving them their land.

95
00:08:50,556 --> 00:08:57,236
This verse emphasizes God's role as the active and mighty deliverer who has

96
00:08:57,236 --> 00:09:00,796
constantly been on the Israel's side.

97
00:09:00,796 --> 00:09:09,176
And then the prophet concludes by reminding the Israelites of God's command

98
00:09:09,176 --> 00:09:13,436
not to worship the God of the Amorites.

99
00:09:13,676 --> 00:09:22,636
The Amorites were one of many Canaanites people whose idolatrous practice the

100
00:09:22,636 --> 00:09:24,436
Israelites were supposed to avoid.

101
00:09:24,436 --> 00:09:30,096
However, the Israelites failed to obey this command and instead adopted the

102
00:09:30,096 --> 00:09:32,836
worship of these false gods.

103
00:09:33,916 --> 00:09:40,516
This disobedience is the root cause of their suffering under the Midianite oppression.

104
00:09:41,716 --> 00:09:47,856
So they're under another deep oppression. But the one thing we see here that is in the Bible.

105
00:09:47,956 --> 00:09:52,136
So we know, you know, if you know the story, you know, the end of the story

106
00:09:52,136 --> 00:09:58,776
that God's going to rescue them. But I wanted to take a pause here to show you how they got here.

107
00:09:58,916 --> 00:10:01,936
They were worshiping other gods.

108
00:10:03,096 --> 00:10:10,196
So Gideon's situation arise directly from the disobedience of the Israelites to God's commandments.

109
00:10:10,196 --> 00:10:19,396
The oppression by the Midianites is presented as a consequence of Israel's idolatry

110
00:10:19,396 --> 00:10:23,916
and the failure to remain faithful to their covenant with God.

111
00:10:24,136 --> 00:10:30,536
By returning to the God of the Amorites and neglecting the worship of the true

112
00:10:30,536 --> 00:10:35,216
God, the Israelites have removed themselves from God's protection,

113
00:10:35,556 --> 00:10:38,156
leading to their current plight.

114
00:10:39,100 --> 00:10:47,820
God sending the prophet before raising up Gideon as a deliverer serves as an essential purpose.

115
00:10:48,180 --> 00:10:55,120
It reminds the Israelites and us as readers that their suffering is not arbitrary,

116
00:10:55,300 --> 00:11:00,960
but it is a direct result of their spiritual infidelity.

117
00:11:02,320 --> 00:11:08,720
Ouch. The prophet message is a call to repentance and a reminder of the importance

118
00:11:08,720 --> 00:11:11,120
of the faithfulness of God.

119
00:11:11,920 --> 00:11:16,840
So God sent a prophet to remind them of their past deliverance.

120
00:11:17,180 --> 00:11:23,160
When he sends a prophet, it reminds you that he sees what's going on with them,

121
00:11:23,240 --> 00:11:27,400
that he still has an eye on his people.

122
00:11:27,400 --> 00:11:32,380
And he said, just repent, right? Just get it right.

123
00:11:33,120 --> 00:11:41,300
Gideon's story is set against this backdrop of national sin and the need for deliverance.

124
00:11:41,400 --> 00:11:47,240
His call to leadership is not just about military victory, but also about leading

125
00:11:47,240 --> 00:11:50,520
Israel back to true worship of God.

126
00:11:51,200 --> 00:11:57,460
Gideon's initial hesitancy and doubt reflects the spiritual state of the nation.

127
00:11:58,160 --> 00:12:01,740
Uncertain, fearful, and far from God.

128
00:12:01,920 --> 00:12:09,000
Yet God's response to Israel's cry and his choice of Gideon demonstrates his

129
00:12:09,000 --> 00:12:15,560
mercy and willingness to restore his people when they turn back to him.

130
00:12:15,800 --> 00:12:20,240
So this answers the why Why that we're in Gideon six?

131
00:12:21,240 --> 00:12:27,160
Why is Gideon being called out for this situation? So we see it's a dire situation.

132
00:12:27,240 --> 00:12:30,560
The people have turned to another God.

133
00:12:31,809 --> 00:12:35,789
Right? They have turned to another God. So let's pick it up here.

134
00:12:36,149 --> 00:12:39,569
And we, okay, right here, we see here, I'm just going to continue here,

135
00:12:39,649 --> 00:12:45,729
that we see that under this, with this, with God's gifts of no return,

136
00:12:45,889 --> 00:12:50,009
embracing God's unchanging call, that he, God is faithful,

137
00:12:50,189 --> 00:12:52,049
right? God is faithful.

138
00:12:52,229 --> 00:12:57,089
So God's faithfulness reminds us, reminds Israel that I'm faithful.

139
00:12:57,289 --> 00:13:01,869
I'm faithful to you. Even though you are not faithful to me, I'm faithful to you.

140
00:13:01,969 --> 00:13:07,009
Just as sometimes when we're not faithful to God, he is still faithful to us

141
00:13:07,009 --> 00:13:09,509
in delivering them from Egypt.

142
00:13:09,829 --> 00:13:16,669
He's still in the back of his mind. He's still going to deliver them from the Midianites.

143
00:13:17,549 --> 00:13:22,489
He just had to say what he had to say. You guys are being disobedient.

144
00:13:23,169 --> 00:13:27,229
You worshiping other gods and you need to get your act together.

145
00:13:27,229 --> 00:13:30,549
But I'm faithful to you. I'm faithful to you.

146
00:13:31,149 --> 00:13:37,089
This also reminds that God's gifts, that he is faithful with his gifts and calling,

147
00:13:37,229 --> 00:13:40,089
even when his people are unfaithful.

148
00:13:40,789 --> 00:13:45,389
Consequence of disobedience, it has an impact on others.

149
00:13:45,669 --> 00:13:50,269
The story of Gideon shows us that while God's gifts and callings are irrevocable,

150
00:13:50,469 --> 00:13:56,109
there are still consequences when we turn away from God or neglect his commands.

151
00:13:56,469 --> 00:14:02,889
The Israelites under the Midianites, because they did not listen to God and

152
00:14:02,889 --> 00:14:04,449
instead followed other guys,

153
00:14:04,749 --> 00:14:15,569
in our lives, we may experience difficulties or challenges when we stray from

154
00:14:15,569 --> 00:14:18,369
God's path or ignore his calling.

155
00:14:18,609 --> 00:14:23,969
However, these consequences are not Not the withdrawal of his gifts,

156
00:14:24,009 --> 00:14:29,889
but rather the natural result of stepping outside of his protective will.

157
00:14:31,215 --> 00:14:37,075
It is a reminder that embracing God's calling also involves a commitment to

158
00:14:37,075 --> 00:14:40,675
live according to his guidance.

159
00:14:41,715 --> 00:14:46,235
Still, God's ultimate plan and his covenant with them remain intact.

160
00:14:47,535 --> 00:14:50,795
God's calling is not dependent on our perfection.

161
00:14:51,155 --> 00:14:57,315
It is a reflection of his unwavering purpose and grace. It says,

162
00:14:57,375 --> 00:15:00,155
another one, God calls to repentance and restoration.

163
00:15:00,495 --> 00:15:05,955
Even when Israel was in a state of disobedience,

164
00:15:06,095 --> 00:15:12,475
God responded to their cries for help by sending a prophet to call them back

165
00:15:12,475 --> 00:15:16,975
to repentance before raising up Gideon as a deliverer.

166
00:15:16,975 --> 00:15:21,795
This reflects God's desire not only to bestow gifts and calling,

167
00:15:22,035 --> 00:15:30,235
but also to see his people walk in those callings fully and faithfully.

168
00:15:30,655 --> 00:15:34,435
In our current situation, we find ourselves struggling.

169
00:15:34,495 --> 00:15:39,235
If we find ourselves struggling or distant from God, his calling still remains.

170
00:15:39,755 --> 00:15:45,855
Still, there may be a need for repentance or realignment with his will.

171
00:15:46,798 --> 00:15:52,918
God gives our no return because he is committed to his purpose within us.

172
00:15:53,078 --> 00:15:58,998
But he also desires that we live in a way that aligns with his intention.

173
00:15:59,198 --> 00:16:04,638
When he gave me this title for this devotional, Gifts of No Return,

174
00:16:04,998 --> 00:16:12,138
and it's so typical of society today is that if we don't like something,

175
00:16:12,438 --> 00:16:14,938
we always find a way to return it, right?

176
00:16:15,118 --> 00:16:18,678
We always find a way. we keep the receipt, we can return it.

177
00:16:18,718 --> 00:16:22,958
If we don't use it, most of the time people take it back, any store take it

178
00:16:22,958 --> 00:16:28,398
back within a certain amount of days if you have the receipt, right?

179
00:16:28,498 --> 00:16:33,918
If you didn't use it properly or however, follow the receipt instruction, you can return it back.

180
00:16:34,138 --> 00:16:40,278
And so we think that if we mess up with God, that he will actually take his gift back.

181
00:16:40,518 --> 00:16:47,098
But God is not an Indian giver. In America, Indian giver mean that someone would give you a gift.

182
00:16:47,198 --> 00:16:51,018
And then if you don't act right, or if you don't be as their friend anymore,

183
00:16:51,238 --> 00:16:53,058
then they can take their gift back.

184
00:16:53,198 --> 00:16:58,158
But God is not like that. Once he gives it to you, he is yours.

185
00:16:58,778 --> 00:17:05,858
And sometimes God activates a gift inside of you that you don't really know that you have.

186
00:17:06,238 --> 00:17:11,558
But every person on this earth that's born, no matter where you are in America

187
00:17:11,558 --> 00:17:15,498
and around the world, you have a gift of no return.

188
00:17:15,838 --> 00:17:18,618
We are all called to do something.

189
00:17:19,038 --> 00:17:25,038
And we'll get into that in the last episode. What is your gift? What is your calling?

190
00:17:25,238 --> 00:17:31,558
And he desires us to line it up to the way he wants it to be.

191
00:17:31,978 --> 00:17:37,238
And some of us, the gift and calling maybe is ignited in this.

192
00:17:38,291 --> 00:17:44,231
In this episode where you didn't realize that you were acting in disobedience

193
00:17:44,231 --> 00:17:47,671
because no one ever told you. You're like, dang, that sounds like me.

194
00:17:48,471 --> 00:17:55,371
You can just repent. 1 John 1.9 said that if you repent, ask God for forgiveness,

195
00:17:55,531 --> 00:17:57,491
that he will forgive you.

196
00:17:57,571 --> 00:18:01,531
Just say, Lord, I know I've sinned against you, that I've been walking against

197
00:18:01,531 --> 00:18:03,851
your will, and I want to get it right.

198
00:18:04,391 --> 00:18:08,671
He immediately forgives you. He cleanses you right away.

199
00:18:08,951 --> 00:18:12,611
You can walk immediately in that gift and in that calling.

200
00:18:12,851 --> 00:18:15,831
It's going to take some steps just like Gideon. We're going to walk through

201
00:18:15,831 --> 00:18:18,571
the steps of Gideon, but it's that process.

202
00:18:18,811 --> 00:18:21,511
You get to start that process anew.

203
00:18:21,811 --> 00:18:26,331
The responsibility and faithfulness, the story of Gideon and the Israelites

204
00:18:26,331 --> 00:18:31,871
underscore the importance of responding to God's gifts and calling with faithfulness.

205
00:18:32,011 --> 00:18:39,051
God has given Israel the land and victory over their enemy, but their unfaithfulness

206
00:18:39,051 --> 00:18:40,951
led to their oppression.

207
00:18:42,111 --> 00:18:46,851
Similarly, God may place a gift, place a calling on our lives,

208
00:18:46,891 --> 00:18:51,411
but it's up to us to live it out with integrity and obedience.

209
00:18:51,411 --> 00:18:54,691
Disobedience the power of saying yes to

210
00:18:54,691 --> 00:18:57,711
God includes not just accepting his call

211
00:18:57,711 --> 00:19:00,931
but also committing to the path he set

212
00:19:00,931 --> 00:19:05,091
for us even when it's challenging and

213
00:19:05,091 --> 00:19:10,511
then the assurance of God's purpose God's unchanging purpose despite Israel

214
00:19:10,511 --> 00:19:16,151
failure God's purpose for them did not change it didn't change why because he

215
00:19:16,151 --> 00:19:21,251
sent a prophet to them a prophet say hey get your act together repent.

216
00:19:21,951 --> 00:19:26,031
Whenever God sends someone to you to tell you, get your act together,

217
00:19:26,251 --> 00:19:28,711
that means you're still on his list.

218
00:19:29,051 --> 00:19:31,091
You're still in his will.

219
00:19:31,571 --> 00:19:35,951
Whenever you don't hear from God, you better get concerned. So if he's saying,

220
00:19:36,071 --> 00:19:39,771
hey, right now you've got this podcast on, he's talking to you.

221
00:19:39,871 --> 00:19:44,331
He's saying, hey, there's still a chance for you to get your act together,

222
00:19:44,451 --> 00:19:46,551
to walk in obedience, obedience.

223
00:19:47,510 --> 00:19:51,710
And to the gifts and calling that you have called for you, that you can walk

224
00:19:51,710 --> 00:19:56,650
this out in obedience, in restoration, in God's faithfulness.

225
00:19:57,330 --> 00:20:02,350
The power of saying yes includes not just accepting his call,

226
00:20:02,510 --> 00:20:07,270
but committing to the path he has set for you, even when it's challenging.

227
00:20:07,810 --> 00:20:12,410
You know, despite Israel's failures, God's purpose for them did not change.

228
00:20:12,510 --> 00:20:13,970
God did not change his mind.

229
00:20:14,110 --> 00:20:17,650
Stop saying that. I don't think God want to use me now. Now, yes, he does.

230
00:20:17,930 --> 00:20:21,590
Even though you might be a little dirty and filthy, he's going to rinse you off.

231
00:20:21,750 --> 00:20:26,210
And that's going to add to the story that you're going to tell the people when

232
00:20:26,210 --> 00:20:30,070
you get an opportunity to tell your story, whether it's through a podcast,

233
00:20:30,310 --> 00:20:34,290
whether it's through a story you're going to write, whether it's just one-on-one

234
00:20:34,290 --> 00:20:38,130
that you're going to share your story with someone when you're evangelizing.

235
00:20:38,530 --> 00:20:42,030
He still intends to deliver them and fulfill his promise.

236
00:20:42,270 --> 00:20:47,190
God keeps his promise. He does his part. This is a powerful reminder that God's

237
00:20:47,190 --> 00:20:51,030
calling in our lives is part of his broader, unchanging purpose.

238
00:20:51,990 --> 00:20:58,210
Our mistake or detours. I think a detour is because I remember I was running far left.

239
00:20:58,470 --> 00:21:02,230
Yes, slowly. Not running. Let's say walking the other way slowly.

240
00:21:02,490 --> 00:21:05,570
You know how kids do. Or you have a pet.

241
00:21:05,850 --> 00:21:10,510
You're calling the pet out. And they know they hear you, but they keep going the other way.

242
00:21:11,610 --> 00:21:15,490
Yes. Detours don't cancel. God's plans.

243
00:21:16,090 --> 00:21:21,910
Instead, he can even use our failures to bring about his will.

244
00:21:23,070 --> 00:21:31,970
We will see how he can ultimately use Gideon to deliver Israel.

245
00:21:32,470 --> 00:21:39,230
The story of Gideon in Judges 6, 7-10, those verses highlight the importance

246
00:21:39,230 --> 00:21:46,270
of recognizing and embracing God's gifts and calling with a heart of obedience and faithfulness.

247
00:21:46,430 --> 00:21:52,470
While God's gifts and callings are irrevocable, our experience of them can be

248
00:21:52,470 --> 00:21:55,690
affected by our choice and alignment with his will.

249
00:21:55,910 --> 00:21:59,850
So like the Israelites, we may face challenges when we stray,

250
00:22:00,070 --> 00:22:07,450
but God is always ready to restore and empower us to fulfill his will when we turn back to him.

251
00:22:07,950 --> 00:22:11,290
I hope that's so good. So let's finish up this story.

252
00:22:11,430 --> 00:22:15,630
That was a little side scope to get us encouraged that no matter where we are,

253
00:22:15,730 --> 00:22:20,790
no matter what you feel like, when you turned back to God, he's already looking

254
00:22:20,790 --> 00:22:24,030
right in your face saying, thank you, baby girl, baby boy.

255
00:22:24,350 --> 00:22:26,410
We got you. Let's get this thing going.

256
00:22:26,950 --> 00:22:31,790
Let's get this thing going. All right, verses 11 and 12. We're going to talk about this.

257
00:22:33,304 --> 00:22:37,604
This process of return, the process of return.

258
00:22:37,784 --> 00:22:43,344
We talk about the obedience. Now you've turned back. Let's see how Gideon has

259
00:22:43,344 --> 00:22:47,104
turned back and what the process looks like.

260
00:22:47,604 --> 00:22:55,504
Verses 11 and 12, the angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Oprah, is it Oprah?

261
00:22:55,984 --> 00:23:01,604
That belonged to Joash in Abrazite, probably messing up this,

262
00:23:01,704 --> 00:23:07,664
but that's okay, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a wine press.

263
00:23:07,944 --> 00:23:13,384
So in the wrong place, right? To keep it from the Midianites. So he's hiding the food.

264
00:23:13,724 --> 00:23:19,864
When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, the Lord is with you, you mighty warrior.

265
00:23:20,204 --> 00:23:24,224
Look how God saw Gideon. The Lord is with you, you mighty warrior.

266
00:23:24,804 --> 00:23:31,104
Here we see Gideon hiding in fear, trying to protect what little he had from the Midianites.

267
00:23:31,304 --> 00:23:38,484
The angel's greeting, the Lord is with you, mighty warrior, seems ironic given

268
00:23:38,484 --> 00:23:41,904
Gideon's fearful state,

269
00:23:42,184 --> 00:23:48,164
yet it speaks to the potential God saw in him, not his current circumstances.

270
00:23:48,244 --> 00:23:54,524
I love that God sees who you are at the heart, not what you feel on the outside, right?

271
00:23:55,244 --> 00:24:02,244
Gideon's response highlights his inadequacy and his doubt and his fear.

272
00:24:02,824 --> 00:24:09,224
So he says, it's kind of like, he says, you mighty warrior, even though he was

273
00:24:09,224 --> 00:24:11,884
feeling fear, I see you as a mighty warrior.

274
00:24:12,104 --> 00:24:16,564
I see, I got some things for you to do, so I need to see you in your future.

275
00:24:16,824 --> 00:24:21,884
Let's look at verse 13 to 15. It says, pardon me, my Lord, Gideon replied,

276
00:24:22,224 --> 00:24:26,584
but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?

277
00:24:26,924 --> 00:24:31,084
Well, I took that little sidetrack to explain why all that happened to us.

278
00:24:31,184 --> 00:24:32,724
Okay. So let's keep going.

279
00:24:32,984 --> 00:24:36,184
Gideon knows why this happened to him. So let's keep going.

280
00:24:36,924 --> 00:24:44,264
Here are where all the wonders that all the ancestors told us about when they

281
00:24:44,264 --> 00:24:47,584
said, like He's saying, where are all the miracles?

282
00:24:47,724 --> 00:24:50,604
Where are all the signs and all the wonders? Well, we know where they are.

283
00:24:50,744 --> 00:24:51,984
That's why I took that little journey.

284
00:24:52,784 --> 00:24:58,464
Did not the Lord bring us out of Egypt? But now the Lord has abandoned us and

285
00:24:58,464 --> 00:25:00,664
given us unto the hand of the Midians.

286
00:25:01,224 --> 00:25:08,204
The Lord turned to him and said, Go in the strength you have and save Israel

287
00:25:08,204 --> 00:25:09,664
out of the Midians' hand.

288
00:25:10,164 --> 00:25:12,064
Am I not sending you?

289
00:25:12,744 --> 00:25:17,224
Pardon me, my Lord, Gideon replied. but how can I save Israel?

290
00:25:17,404 --> 00:25:23,424
My clan is the weakest in Manasseh and I am the least in my family.

291
00:25:24,500 --> 00:25:28,760
So he's trying to keep Gideon focused, you know, and it says,

292
00:25:28,820 --> 00:25:32,200
Gideon doubts and feelings of inaccuracy are evident.

293
00:25:32,420 --> 00:25:37,440
He questions God's presence and power, and he doubts his ability to lead.

294
00:25:37,700 --> 00:25:44,920
This is a relatable moment for many of us who feel unqualified and overwhelmed by God's call.

295
00:25:45,140 --> 00:25:52,080
However, God's response was, go in the strength you have and save Israel out

296
00:25:52,080 --> 00:25:55,240
of Midian's hand. am I not sending you?

297
00:25:55,940 --> 00:26:00,760
Reassures us that God's calling comes with his strength and presence.

298
00:26:01,360 --> 00:26:07,480
Despite his fears, Gideon obeys

299
00:26:07,480 --> 00:26:13,100
God's command and begins his journey from fear to faith. I like that.

300
00:26:13,360 --> 00:26:18,160
I like that. He says, I'm talking to you. He says, I need you to go in my strength.

301
00:26:18,440 --> 00:26:23,120
So Gideon starts to figure out that he's talking to me. I got to do something.

302
00:26:23,340 --> 00:26:26,360
I got to do something. Let's look at Judges 6.16.

303
00:26:26,660 --> 00:26:29,840
The Lord answered, I will be

304
00:26:29,840 --> 00:26:34,960
with you and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.

305
00:26:35,420 --> 00:26:41,540
Like, okay, the fight is on. God reassurance, I will be with you is crucial.

306
00:26:41,820 --> 00:26:48,660
It reminds us that God's presence and strength are what enables us to fulfill

307
00:26:48,660 --> 00:26:51,380
this calling, not our abilities.

308
00:26:51,940 --> 00:26:59,080
This is echoed in Isaiah 41.10, which says, so do not fear for I am with you.

309
00:26:59,160 --> 00:27:02,020
Do not be dismayed for I am your God.

310
00:27:02,260 --> 00:27:08,200
I will strengthen you and help you. I would uphold you with my righteous right hand.

311
00:27:08,440 --> 00:27:13,420
So when God calls us, he's not calling us to go out ahead and do it without him.

312
00:27:13,720 --> 00:27:16,400
He's the one holding our hand.

313
00:27:17,220 --> 00:27:20,660
He's the one that said he's never leave us or forsake us.

314
00:27:21,080 --> 00:27:27,480
So Gideon's journey from faith, from fear to faith continues with his first act of obedience.

315
00:27:27,860 --> 00:27:31,960
So now he hears God, your mighty warrior. He said, I'm sending you.

316
00:27:32,340 --> 00:27:34,840
And he said, you're not going to do this in your own ability.

317
00:27:35,220 --> 00:27:37,340
So now he's getting stirred up, ready to go.

318
00:27:37,620 --> 00:27:40,580
Let's go to verse 25 to 27.

319
00:27:41,400 --> 00:27:47,460
The same night, the Lord said to him, take the second bull from your father

320
00:27:47,460 --> 00:27:50,560
herd and the seven, the seven year old,

321
00:27:50,620 --> 00:27:57,560
the seven year old, tear down the father's altar to bail and cut down the Asherah pole beside it.

322
00:27:57,740 --> 00:28:04,180
Then build a proper kind of altar for the Lord, your God, on top of this height,

323
00:28:04,360 --> 00:28:08,580
using the wood of the Asherah pole that you cut down.

324
00:28:09,593 --> 00:28:15,033
Offer the second bull as a burnt offering. So Gideon took 10 of his servants

325
00:28:15,033 --> 00:28:17,273
and did as the Lord told him.

326
00:28:17,333 --> 00:28:21,373
But because he was afraid of his family and the townspeople,

327
00:28:21,513 --> 00:28:24,573
he did it at night rather than at the daytime.

328
00:28:25,293 --> 00:28:30,673
Whether he did it at night or not, he did it, right? So God said, I need you to do this.

329
00:28:31,133 --> 00:28:35,893
Tear down this bale pole and put up a pole that worships me.

330
00:28:36,753 --> 00:28:41,133
So Gideon's obedience, even in fear, marked the beginning of his transformation.

331
00:28:41,693 --> 00:28:47,273
It reminds, it shows that courage isn't the absence of fear,

332
00:28:47,433 --> 00:28:50,793
but the willingness to act in spite of it.

333
00:28:51,033 --> 00:28:53,613
Anybody ever done anything in fear?

334
00:28:53,873 --> 00:28:58,633
You're already afraid, but you did it anyway. That's what Gideon did.

335
00:28:59,033 --> 00:29:02,033
Gideon did it in spite of his fear.

336
00:29:02,973 --> 00:29:10,093
2 Timothy 1, 7 reminds us that the spirit of God gave us does not make us timid,

337
00:29:10,173 --> 00:29:14,033
but it gives us power, love, and self-discipline.

338
00:29:14,133 --> 00:29:19,993
So we have to remember that we have that strength in us and it's given to us by God.

339
00:29:20,173 --> 00:29:25,993
So I love that Gideon is daring to move forward in boldness,

340
00:29:26,093 --> 00:29:28,973
to tear down the altar of the

341
00:29:28,973 --> 00:29:32,013
other god is is it takes

342
00:29:32,013 --> 00:29:35,573
boldness and to put up the altar of god that

343
00:29:35,573 --> 00:29:39,793
could have cost him his life but he didn't care because the

344
00:29:39,793 --> 00:29:47,373
gifts of no return embracing god's unchanging call he grabs what it take to

345
00:29:47,373 --> 00:29:53,853
walk in god's calling gideon's story teaches us that god often caused those

346
00:29:53,853 --> 00:29:56,753
who feel least qualified.

347
00:29:57,373 --> 00:30:00,933
His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

348
00:30:02,184 --> 00:30:09,084
Oh, wow. He empowers us to overcome our personal fears to fulfill his divine purposes.

349
00:30:10,044 --> 00:30:15,504
So how do we put this Gideon story into our story?

350
00:30:15,844 --> 00:30:22,284
How do we do that? So the first thing we will have to do is we will have to

351
00:30:22,284 --> 00:30:26,024
recognize and confront our fears.

352
00:30:26,664 --> 00:30:31,344
We have to recognize and confront our fears. So how do we do that?

353
00:30:31,384 --> 00:30:37,844
We identify areas in your life where fear holds you back from fully embracing God's call.

354
00:30:38,004 --> 00:30:40,144
Now, fear is like a grip.

355
00:30:40,504 --> 00:30:43,424
What makes us so afraid?

356
00:30:43,804 --> 00:30:47,124
And I remember having those. What makes us so afraid?

357
00:30:47,424 --> 00:30:52,344
And that varies from person to person, that fear that grips us.

358
00:30:52,484 --> 00:30:59,604
But we see here in 2 Timothy 1, 7, reminds us that God did not give us a spirit

359
00:30:59,604 --> 00:31:04,684
of fear, but he has given us power, love, and self-discipline.

360
00:31:04,864 --> 00:31:06,884
Some scriptures say a sound mind.

361
00:31:07,124 --> 00:31:11,984
And so remember that we're doing it in the power of God, with God's strength

362
00:31:11,984 --> 00:31:17,964
and with his power. or fear should do it afraid like Gideon did.

363
00:31:18,644 --> 00:31:23,404
Gideon showed courage. Courage isn't the absence of fear.

364
00:31:23,564 --> 00:31:27,964
It's the willingness to do it in spite of it. Something to think about.

365
00:31:28,464 --> 00:31:33,964
Reflect on how these fears impact your action and decision.

366
00:31:34,264 --> 00:31:38,124
Is fear holding you like the frozen chosen?

367
00:31:38,804 --> 00:31:43,704
If so, find out why. Why are you so afraid? Who are you trying to impress?

368
00:31:44,504 --> 00:31:45,964
Can you just do it for Jesus?

369
00:31:47,358 --> 00:31:52,898
Like, do it anyway. See how that makes you feel. I know I'm talking to myself.

370
00:31:53,898 --> 00:32:00,218
Do it anyway. Do it anyway. Number two, trust in God's strength to carry out his calling.

371
00:32:00,458 --> 00:32:07,038
Here we go. That's the answer. Spend time in prayer, asking God's strength to guide you.

372
00:32:07,558 --> 00:32:11,878
Meditate on the scripture and remind you of God's presence and power,

373
00:32:12,178 --> 00:32:14,378
such as Philippians 4.3.

374
00:32:14,958 --> 00:32:18,358
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

375
00:32:19,038 --> 00:32:23,298
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. One thing that helped

376
00:32:23,298 --> 00:32:26,698
me with my fear is to just be prepared.

377
00:32:27,598 --> 00:32:34,678
When I first became a new preacher, I used to always kind of pray and study,

378
00:32:34,778 --> 00:32:37,438
study, study before I got before the people.

379
00:32:37,438 --> 00:32:44,418
And even when I got before the people, I had what I was going to say, but God would change it.

380
00:32:44,558 --> 00:32:48,698
But I was like, well, I didn't even use my notes. And that's the point. I'm prepared.

381
00:32:49,098 --> 00:32:53,458
Don't be, go prepared, but leave room for the Holy Ghost.

382
00:32:53,778 --> 00:32:56,598
How about that? Leave room for the Holy Ghost.

383
00:32:56,658 --> 00:33:00,738
You're studying what God wants you to study. But God has a way.

384
00:33:00,798 --> 00:33:02,838
His word is multifaceted, right?

385
00:33:02,998 --> 00:33:06,298
He has a way that he wants the people to know.

386
00:33:06,818 --> 00:33:12,518
And it was always good. And it was good. Okay, number three,

387
00:33:12,618 --> 00:33:14,658
take small steps of faith and obedience.

388
00:33:15,398 --> 00:33:20,538
Start with small acts of obedience to build your faith and confidence.

389
00:33:20,958 --> 00:33:22,198
What would that look like?

390
00:33:22,938 --> 00:33:28,838
So that's up to you. What would it take for you to build your faith and confidence?

391
00:33:29,558 --> 00:33:34,658
As you're praying, you know, this funny that, that, that step is up there.

392
00:33:34,698 --> 00:33:38,558
Cause as you're trying to build your faith and confidence, certain things will

393
00:33:38,558 --> 00:33:42,558
come up in, in your, if you're, if you're a student, it'll come up in your class

394
00:33:42,558 --> 00:33:47,678
where they'll say, Billy or Susie, can you come before the classroom and do a presentation?

395
00:33:48,098 --> 00:33:51,238
That might be your test to get out of that fear.

396
00:33:51,758 --> 00:33:55,458
Oh, I think Connie, you, you look like you're ready to do ABC.

397
00:33:55,738 --> 00:33:59,638
You'd be like, you know, and And that's your little step of faith and obedience.

398
00:33:59,998 --> 00:34:07,138
God has a way of pulling us out in front to help train us to get rid of some of this fear, right?

399
00:34:07,558 --> 00:34:11,138
Just little things, just little things. I remember that each step,

400
00:34:11,198 --> 00:34:14,418
no matter how small, is significant in your journey with God.

401
00:34:14,738 --> 00:34:22,018
James 2.17 says, In the same way, faith by itself, if it's not accompanied by action, is dead.

402
00:34:22,238 --> 00:34:24,418
So faith without works is dead.

403
00:34:25,330 --> 00:34:29,550
And so we have to do something to stir up our faith. It's like if you're going

404
00:34:29,550 --> 00:34:32,650
to run, learn how to run a marathon, you got to start out.

405
00:34:32,690 --> 00:34:36,930
If you never ran a marathon, they teach you how to start out walking,

406
00:34:37,130 --> 00:34:41,670
running and walking, then walking and running a little bit.

407
00:34:41,750 --> 00:34:44,210
And pretty soon you're running a lot more.

408
00:34:44,390 --> 00:34:47,930
See how, so it's a little bit of movement, but you're moving forward.

409
00:34:47,970 --> 00:34:51,590
And pretty soon you're running a marathon and you never go back to walking.

410
00:34:51,590 --> 00:34:56,610
So just little bitty steps to move you forward. That's just an example.

411
00:34:56,910 --> 00:35:02,730
And just little steps to move you towards making a speech. Maybe one day you're reading poetry.

412
00:35:02,970 --> 00:35:07,570
Next day you might be reading, preaching one verse.

413
00:35:07,710 --> 00:35:11,890
Now you're preaching two. Now you're preaching a sermon. It just depends, taking little steps.

414
00:35:12,170 --> 00:35:16,890
Number four, seek the support from others. Share your fears and calling with

415
00:35:16,890 --> 00:35:20,490
trusted friends and mentors who can encourage and pray for you.

416
00:35:20,490 --> 00:35:24,930
Most of the time, if you have a gift or calling, if you belong to a local church

417
00:35:24,930 --> 00:35:29,990
or a community, you don't have to tell people your call to the ministry or whatever.

418
00:35:30,370 --> 00:35:34,970
Your personal leadership will say there's something about you.

419
00:35:35,030 --> 00:35:36,170
That's your confirmation.

420
00:35:37,030 --> 00:35:42,670
And so friends will say it, but a leadership would just pretty much confirm

421
00:35:42,670 --> 00:35:47,910
that you are and get ready to send you off for formal training if that's needed. it.

422
00:35:48,470 --> 00:35:52,010
Surround yourself with supportive community that help you grow in faith.

423
00:35:52,490 --> 00:35:58,730
So don't try to do it alone. Hebrews 10, 24, 25 encourages us to let us not

424
00:35:58,730 --> 00:36:03,470
consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds.

425
00:36:04,427 --> 00:36:08,827
Not giving up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing,

426
00:36:08,987 --> 00:36:14,087
but encouraging one another and all the more as the Seed Day approaching,

427
00:36:14,887 --> 00:36:18,467
encouraging us to be in a community of believers.

428
00:36:19,047 --> 00:36:23,947
And so if you're not in a community of believers, find a community of believers

429
00:36:23,947 --> 00:36:28,807
that believe the same as you do and just partner with them, right?

430
00:36:29,107 --> 00:36:34,447
So let's do just a quick review. you, I think we're almost done.

431
00:36:34,527 --> 00:36:35,767
We aren't the good and bad.

432
00:36:35,907 --> 00:36:42,987
We see how it's important for us to be obedient to what God has called us.

433
00:36:43,367 --> 00:36:48,947
But when Gideon said yes to God, it was not just one single yes moment,

434
00:36:49,047 --> 00:36:54,947
but a series of decisions to trust and obey God, despite his fears and doubt

435
00:36:54,947 --> 00:36:57,407
from tearing down an altar to bail,

436
00:36:57,567 --> 00:37:00,607
to leading an outnumbered army into the battle.

437
00:37:00,607 --> 00:37:06,187
You know, Gideon's obedience allowed God to work through him to deliver Israel.

438
00:37:06,487 --> 00:37:13,907
His yes was a journey of faith marked by small steps of obedience that led to significant outcomes.

439
00:37:14,527 --> 00:37:20,227
This story highlights how saying yes to God, even in the face of uncertainty,

440
00:37:20,587 --> 00:37:23,547
can lead to extraordinary results.

441
00:37:24,727 --> 00:37:29,407
This is only part of his story. He ended up getting his crew together,

442
00:37:29,607 --> 00:37:39,767
which went from like 3,000 or 30,000 to 300 and running those media nights out of the place.

443
00:37:39,967 --> 00:37:46,927
And they had peace and they were able to enjoy their food and their wine.

444
00:37:47,127 --> 00:37:51,807
Not really, you know, they have their wine, their grapes and eating there without

445
00:37:51,807 --> 00:37:53,267
hiding, without hiding.

446
00:37:53,267 --> 00:37:58,967
Having victory in Jesus because of their obedience, because of Gideon's obedience,

447
00:37:59,187 --> 00:38:04,327
of tearing down that altar of Baal, putting up the altar of Jesus,

448
00:38:04,807 --> 00:38:09,747
and following the instructions for this battle that they had.

449
00:38:09,967 --> 00:38:14,267
So the story of Gideon is interesting. You might want to read it in its entirety.

450
00:38:14,687 --> 00:38:19,667
But the whole story I wanted to show you was the yes that he said.

451
00:38:19,847 --> 00:38:25,227
That yes Seth started many other yeses, and he was able to follow the instructions

452
00:38:25,227 --> 00:38:28,107
in its entirety and had victory.

453
00:38:28,387 --> 00:38:34,727
So let's wrap this up. I want to go over these decrees, and then we can conclude this episode.

454
00:38:35,067 --> 00:38:38,727
So number one decree, decree for overcoming fear.

455
00:38:39,767 --> 00:38:46,587
So I decree that like Gideon, I will overcome my fears and doubts with strength

456
00:38:46,587 --> 00:38:53,507
and guidance of the Lord. I trust that God equips and empowers those he calls.

457
00:38:54,696 --> 00:38:58,556
Decree for divine strength. You don't want to stop there for a minute.

458
00:38:58,696 --> 00:39:01,616
Fear is false evidence appearing real.

459
00:39:01,916 --> 00:39:07,176
So find out what that fear is and why is it gripping you so tight.

460
00:39:07,656 --> 00:39:12,496
And then remind yourself that God overcome all fear.

461
00:39:12,796 --> 00:39:19,216
And it's false evidence appearing real because we have victory in Jesus, right?

462
00:39:19,416 --> 00:39:22,636
Okay, so let's go over that again. Decree for overcoming fear.

463
00:39:22,636 --> 00:39:30,456
I decree that, like Gideon, I will overcome my fears and doubts with the strength

464
00:39:30,456 --> 00:39:32,136
and guidance of the Lord.

465
00:39:33,056 --> 00:39:38,816
I trust that God equips and empowers those he calls.

466
00:39:39,696 --> 00:39:46,056
Decree for divine strength. I decree that I will rely on God's strength to carry

467
00:39:46,056 --> 00:39:48,656
out his calling in my life.

468
00:39:48,656 --> 00:39:55,776
I believe that his presence with me is enough to face any challenge.

469
00:39:56,696 --> 00:40:01,936
Decree for faith and obedience. I decree that I will take steps of faith and

470
00:40:01,936 --> 00:40:10,356
obedience, trusting that God will lead me and provide for me every step of the way.

471
00:40:11,136 --> 00:40:17,456
A decree for community support. I decree that I will seek and embrace the support

472
00:40:17,456 --> 00:40:25,116
of my Christian community, knowing that we are stronger together in fulfilling God's purpose.

473
00:40:25,836 --> 00:40:30,516
As we conclude this episode, take some time to reflect on how God's strength

474
00:40:30,516 --> 00:40:36,896
has helped you overcome fears in the past and how he can continue to do so in your current journey.

475
00:40:36,896 --> 00:40:43,516
Remember, God's call is not based on our qualification, but on his power and purpose.

476
00:40:44,436 --> 00:40:51,016
In our next episode, we will explore the story of Deborah, focusing on her bold

477
00:40:51,016 --> 00:40:56,456
leadership and how God's call can defy cultural and societal norms.

478
00:40:57,136 --> 00:41:06,256
Deborah's example is a powerful testament to the impact of faith and courage.

479
00:41:06,896 --> 00:41:11,076
Thank you for joining us on this episode of Gifts of No Return,

480
00:41:11,456 --> 00:41:13,856
Embracing God's Unchanging Call.

481
00:41:14,796 --> 00:41:19,016
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share it with others who might

482
00:41:19,016 --> 00:41:20,376
benefit from this message.

483
00:41:20,716 --> 00:41:23,676
Thank you for listening and God bless.

484
00:41:24,136 --> 00:41:25,976
Until next time, stay encouraged.

485
00:41:26,956 --> 00:41:29,856
Keep embracing the gifts God has placed within you.

486
00:41:30,216 --> 00:41:36,836
Remember, God's gifts and callings are irrevocable. and he has a unique and

487
00:41:36,836 --> 00:41:39,796
unchanging plan for your life. God bless.