Read the Bible in One Year:
OT - Judges 7-8
NT - Luke 5:1-16
“During that night the Lord said to Gideon, ‘Get up, go down against the camp, because I am going to give it into your hands. If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah and listen to what they are saying.'”
Judges 7:9-10
God is full of tender mercies toward us.
God called Gideon to lead the Israelites in a battle against the oppressive Midianites. Filled with doubt and insecurity, he questioned how such a weak and insignificant person like himself could accomplish such a monumental task. However, in response to Gideon’s plea for a sign, God reassured him with a powerful promise: “The Lord answered, ‘I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.'”
Amid Gideon’s apprehension, God extended His tender mercies, providing guidance and reassurance. God mercifully intervenes, assuring him of the victory that lay ahead. But God didn’t stop there. He understood Gideon’s apprehension, so He lovingly offered an additional sign of His favor of overhearing what the Midianites were saying (Judges 7:9-14). God wanted Gideon to find encouragement in this visit to the enemy’s camp.
We see two aspects of God’s tender mercies: His guidance and His understanding. God knew the fears that plagued Gideon’s heart, and He met him in his place of vulnerability. He provided not just the assurance of victory but also a practical way for Gideon to overcome his fear. By allowing him to overhear the conversations in the enemy camp, God provided Gideon with the encouragement and confirmation he needed to proceed.
The tender mercies of God are not limited to Gideon’s story alone. Just as God provided guidance and understanding to Gideon, He desires to do the same for us today. When we face overwhelming challenges and uncertainties, we can turn to God, knowing that His tender mercies will surround us. When God asks us to do hard things for Him, He doesn’t fold His arms, sit back, and expect us to do it on our own. He is there to guide us, to keep us, and to encourage us all along the way.
Psalm 145:9 reminds us that the Lord is good to all; he has compassion for all he has made. God’s tender mercies flow from His compassionate heart, reaching out to us in our times of need. His guidance directs our steps, leading us on the path of victory. His understanding embraces our fears and provides us with the strength to press forward.
We find the courage to face our battles in God’s tender mercies. When fears paralyze us, we can rely on His unfailing promises and the assurance of His presence. He goes before us, paving the way for triumph and granting us the wisdom to discern His voice amidst the clamor of doubt. As we reflect on the tender mercies of God, let us approach Him with grateful hearts, seeking His guidance and trust in His understanding. May His tender mercies become the anchor that steadies us in turbulent times and empowers us to live with confidence and boldness.
Consider the times when fear tries to paralyze you and prevent you from stepping out in faith. How can you lean on God’s unfailing promises to overcome those fears and move forward with confidence? In what areas of your life do you doubt or feel insecure like Gideon? How can you remind yourself of God’s tender mercies in those moments? Are you currently facing battles or challenges where you need to rely on God’s guidance? How can you actively seek His direction and trust His understanding?
Prayer
Lord, help me remember and rely on your tender mercies, especially when I am afraid, Amen.
Scripture Writing: Psalm 145:9
For more daily devotions like this At the Potter’s Wheel (Kindle)
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