Alone. That’s how I feel at times. With kids gone and no spouse, emptiness can creep into my home. But, as the sermon reminded me, even though I feel alone the reality is that I’m not. God is always with me – and you, too.
As we learned in our lesson this week, Gideon also had his lonely moments. When we meet him in the book of Judges he is alone in a deep pit, a wine press, hiding from the enemy as he prepared wheat for his family. When an angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon with encouragement and a commission to “Go,” his fear became a stumbling block. He responded, “How can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least of my entire family.” (Judges 6:14-15 NLT) Gideon felt inadequate and insecure – fear paralyzed him. Hiding in the wine press was a safer option. And the angel’s response? No pep talk to attempt to rally him or compliments to stoke his ego. Instead, the angel responded with compassion through the words, “I will be with you.” The angel also assured Gideon, “You will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.” (Judges 6:16 NLT) By the end of the story, that’s exactly what happened. Once Gideon trusted in God’s promise and stepped out in faith, victory over his fears and enemies arrived.
Like Gideon, we as singles may feel abandoned at times, and our natural response may be to isolate. In our lonely moments we may focus more on our problems than God’s promises. But maybe that’s exactly the time when God is nudging you to step out in faith to do something that only He can do through you, just like He did with Gideon. “The invitation to walk by faith is an invitation to step into your fears,” TPCC Pastor Aaron Brockett said, “but with the strength that only God can provide.” It’s likely why the expression “Fear Not” is one of the most common phrases in the Bible.
What fear is God nudging you to step into this week? How can you focus on the promises of God rather than the problems around you?
This week let’s pray for the courage to take that first step and see what God will do. Remember that even though you are on your own, you are never alone. When God says “Go,” He not only promises to go with us but also ahead of us.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
(Matthew 18:19-20 NIV)
When fear begins to take hold of you, remember the acrostic SPOT:
Stand your ground
“But Moses told the people, ‘Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.’” (Exodus 14:13-14, NLT)
Pray for peace
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Philippians 4:6, NLT)
Object to the Lies
“Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5, NLT)
Trust God
“But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4, NLT)