Encourage the congregation to embrace change and follow God's lead, even in times of perceived weakness, as exemplified by the biblical figure, Gideon.
Good morning, church family! Today we're going to dive into the book of Judges, specifically chapter 6, and spend some time reflecting on the life of a man named Gideon. Now, Gideon was a change maker, a man who followed God's direction for change and lived a life of transformation. You see, even though he was the least in his family and his clan was the weakest in Manasseh, God saw something in him. God saw a mighty warrior.
As we examine Gideon's life, we'll see that change is not something to be feared but something to embrace. As C.S. Lewis once said, "You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending."
Let's read together from Judges 6:
Gideon is an exemplary figure when it comes to embracing change and transformation. He was a simple man, the least in his family, and his clan was the weakest in Manasseh. Yet, when God called him to lead the Israelites out of oppression, he rose to the occasion. This is a testament to the transformative power of faith and obedience.
Gideon's story: It begins with him threshing wheat in a winepress, hiding from the Midianites. This was not a task for a mighty warrior, but for a man trying to survive. Yet, when the angel of the Lord appeared to him, he was addressed as a "mighty warrior". This was God's vision for Gideon, a vision that was far removed from his current reality. It's a powerful reminder that God does not see us as we are, but as we can be. He sees the potential in us, the change we can effect, and the transformation we can undergo.
He was not a warrior, but God saw him as one: God saw the change that Gideon could bring about, the transformation he could undergo, and called him into that reality. This is a powerful reminder for us that our current circumstances do not define our future. We are not limited by our weaknesses or our past. With God, we can be change makers, just like Gideon.
His obedience: When God called him to lead the Israelites, he had doubts. He questioned why God had abandoned them and how he could save Israel. Yet, despite his doubts, he obeyed. He tore down his father's altar to Baal, built an altar to God, and prepared for battle against the Midianites. His obedience, despite his doubts and fears, led to the transformation of his people.
This is a powerful lesson for us: Change is often scary. It requires us to step out of our comfort zones, to face our fears and doubts. Yet, just like Gideon, we are called to obey. We are called to trust in God's vision for us, to step into the change He is calling us to.
His faith: Despite his doubts, Gideon trusted in God. He asked for signs, not out of disbelief, but to confirm that he was indeed following God's will. His faith was not blind; it was a faith that sought understanding. This faith led him to victory against the Midianites, a victory that would not have been possible without his trust in God.
A model for us: As we navigate changes in our lives, we are called to have faith. We are called to trust in God's plan for us, even when it seems impossible. We are called to seek understanding, to ask for signs, not out of disbelief, but to confirm that we are on the right path.
He was a change maker, not because of his own strength, but because he allowed God to work through him. He embraced the change God called him to, despite his doubts and fears, and became a mighty warrior.
God's direction for change is about understanding that God has a plan for each of us, and that plan often involves change ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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