Today’s Community Scripture – 4/3/2025

One day the angel of GOD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, whose son Gideon was threshing wheat in the winepress, out of sight of the Midianites. The angel of GOD appeared to him and said, “GOD is with you, O mighty warrior!” Gideon replied, “With me, my master? If GOD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all the miracle-wonders our parents and grandparents told us about, telling us, ‘Didn’t GOD deliver us from Egypt?’ The fact is, GOD has nothing to do with us—he has turned us over to Midian.” But GOD faced him directly: “Go in this strength that is yours. Save Israel from Midian. Haven’t I just sent you?”

                         Judges 6:11–14 (MSG)

– Reflection:

               Are You Hiding Like Gideon?

God called Gideon a mighty hero while he was hiding in a winepress, afraid and intimidated by the Midianite army. He was called by God to be a deliverer, a history maker, even when he viewed himself as limited, inferior, and at a disadvantage, feeling unable to fulfill this calling. Gideon began making excuses. His weak and defeated mentality nearly prevented him from reaching his destiny. After some further encouragement, he made the switch and saw himself as powerful. I am sure many of us started this way; as I write this, I remember times when I felt like hiding. Gideon seems to represent the person many become as new Christians. You want to be everything, and you are on fire for the Word, but when it’s time to put pen to paper, you may not know what to do or where to go, leading you to hide.

– Where do we go from here?

The question is, how do you see yourself? Do you see yourself as strong, confident, and favored, or as Gideon perceived himself? Are you seerecognizing everything else as powerful, but not yourself? One touch of God’s favor can transform whatever you’re facing. You’re focused on how large your problem is. You need to begin focusing on how great your God is. He promises He’s with you, and He has made you a mighty hero. When negative thoughts arise, telling you that you’re weak, insufficient, or at a disadvantage, simply say, “You have the wrong person. I know who I am. I’m a child of the Most High God, and that empowers me greatly.” Be very different from Gideon.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for the strength that rises within us whenever we remember how great You are and what You have done in our lives. Thank You for the times You have delivered our minds from the clutter of fears and doubts. We believe that You are making us into mighty heroes. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.