Better Late Than Never

Here is the final lecture I attended at the Elim Leadership Conference – the last week in May. So sorry to be so late – just hit the ground running – so to speak and then have not returned to finish this.

The speaker was David Ireland and he spoke from Judges 6 on Gideon

God Wants Us To Become Mighty Warriors. 

Judges 6:1-12 v.12 12 – -When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.’ Gideon is threshing wheat inside when he should be outside. He hiding from his enemies by doing it inside a cave. He was a wimp. Gideon in his state of discouragement hears the words, “You, mighty warrior.” Gideon’s response; Judg 6:13  “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.”

We think our questions will release us of the responsibility of doing what the Lord has asked. It comes from discouragement. We become, like Gideon, discouraged by our circumstances. “God where are your miracles, There have been many times we have needed you and you did not show. We are living in caves – where are you and your miracles.” Judg 6:14

The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”

The Lord is the same. He calls us Mighty Warriors – He send us to go with the strength you have. “Gideon, step up to it and take the responsibility.”

You bring yourself to the table. One of the greatest way to discourage discouragement – then challenge God. Step up and tell the Lord, “Here I am, use me.” We wear our discouragement like a badge. We wear our trouble instead of stepping up in faith.

Gideon’s answer: Judg 6:15     “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”  You’ve got the wrong guy – I’m a nobody – I come from a nobody family – you are mistaken.” God’s answer, “I will be with you.”

When God’s with you it makes all the difference in the world – it doesn’t matter how many are against you. If you look at yourself at being insignificant, then God will never be seen as significant to you. We must see God is a very present help in time of trouble. Gideon all you need is me – we will do great things. The wisdom of God, always baffles people.

Change your paradigm – change your questions and your attitude toward yourself – God is with you – trust Him.

Discouragement makes us complacent, it makes us stop dreaming, sends us into doubt where we doubt God. Shake it off – does not let it light.

Is that really you God – show me a sign. When we allow fear to cripple us – we cannot do anything for God. Gideon, I will help you through your fear.

Isa 35:3-4 (Hebrews 12) 2 Tim. 1:7 Your Goliath needs you to conquer it so you can go to the next level.

Be a trend setter. Don’t wash the car in the garage. Do what you do for the light to shine and for others to know you are standing.

Throw away your excuses – you are a warrior – Get to the work.

The message was very encouraging. Even re-reading it stirs me to shake off the sin and discouragement that so easily gets in my way and press forward toward the goal of the upward call in Christ Jesus!