There is a lot of fear surrounding us these days. From the news and our social media feeds to the look on people’s faces in the grocery store, fear is proving to be a powerful motivator.
What Does God Do When You’re Afraid?
I’m using the chronological Bible reading plan this year, and recently finished the book of Judges. The interaction between God and Gideon really jumped out at me, especially as I consider the topic of fear.
Let’s break down their conversation:
God calls Gideon to save Israel from Midian.
Gideon balks and explains that his family is the smallest and weakest.
Gideon asks for three signs to prove that it really is God and he really is talking to Gideon.
God gives the three signs (Judges 6:17-22; 36-40).
Gideon proceeds with the plan to fight the Midianites. Before they engage in battle, God tells Gideon the army is too big and proceeds to whittle it down from 32,000 men to a mere 300.
Now they’re ready to fight.
Just before they do, God comes to Gideon with these words: “Arise, go down against the camp, for I have given it into your hand. But if you are afraid to go down…”
“If you are afraid?” Gideon was fearful from the very beginning! He kept asking for more signs to make sure it was actually God speaking to him! And just before it’s time to fight, God pared his army down to less than 1% of what it had been.
What comes next? Will God decide not to use Gideon because he’s been afraid this entire time? Will he throw him aside and look for someone with a bit more courage and tenacity?
No, he tells him to go down to the Midianite camp and eavesdrop on a conversation between two soldiers.
“When Gideon came, behold, a man was telling a dream to his comrade. And he said, “Behold, I dreamed a dream, and behold, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the camp of Midian and came to the tent and struck it so that it fell and turned it upside down, so that the tent lay flat.”And his comrade answered, “This is no other than the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel; God has given into his hand Midian and all the camp.”
As soon as Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped.”
God offered something tangible to relieve Gideon’s fears. He told him to go hear what the soldiers were saying about him.
God could have said, “Gideon, I’m the creator of the universe and I’ve promised to help you. Why are you still afraid?”
But he didn’t. The longsuffering kindness of the Lord is so evident in this scenario, isn’t it? God knew what Gideon needed. He provided it. And Gideon worshipped and obeyed the Lord because of it.
Whatever fears you face today, know this:
God cares for you in your fearful state.
Trust him.
He knew what he was doing when he called you to fulfill your obligations.
Worship him.
He has every detail of your life in his sovereign control.
Rest in him.
His will and timing are always perfect.
As you face a new week, would you pray this prayer with me?
“Dear God, I confess that I’m prone to fear the unknown instead of trusting you. I easily forget that you are in control and act as if I have to figure out every detail. Forgive me for my pride. Help me to trust your will in every tiny detail of my life. May I find rest in you right in the middle of my changing circumstances and know the peace that can only come from you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”