(Judges 6:34 NLT) Then the Spirit of the Lord took possession of Gideon!
The dictionary defines the word possession as “the state of having, owning, or controlling something.”
It is in the context of national disaster that we read this statement about Gideon. Once again, Israel finds themselves in a place of bondage because of their rebellion against the commandments of God. Verse 2 tells us that Israel, “fled to the mountains, where they made hiding places for themselves in caves and dens.” The writer of Judges further explains, “The enemy hordes, coming with their cattle and tents as thick as locusts, arrived on droves of camels too numerous to count. And they stayed until the land was stripped bare.” (Verse 5) We are told at this point, “The Israelites cried out to the Lord for help.” (Verse 6) God responded to their repentance by sending a prophet named Gideon to lead them to deliverance.
At first, Gideon resisted the call to lead this deliverance citing his own self-doubt. He argues, “But Lord, how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” God was not impressed with his assessment. Instead, God reassured Gideon with these words. “I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.”
What happens next is key. “Then the Spirit of the Lord took possession of Gideon.” Once God had possession of Gideon, the victory was secured. Remember, possession means, “the state of having, owning, or controlling something.” Gideon’s words, actions, commands, etc. were completely yielded to the will of God. It is important to understand that God did not force Himself upon Gideon in a way that usurped Gideon’s free will. God did not make a puppet out of him. NO! He surrendered his will so completely that all of his faculties were available for God’s purpose.
Gideon knew that his only path to victory was through the supernatural intervention of God. Our unwillingness to submit everything to God is often the only thing standing between us and freedom.
As with Gideon, God wants to possess us so that He can produce the freedom we so desperately desire. If deliverance is what you desire, then pray this prayer with me…
PRAYER: Father, I realize the challenges I’m facing today are subject to my obedience to Your plan. I submit myself to you and willingly ask You to take possession of me today. May my legacy be, “He was a man who was possessed by the Spirit of the Living God.” Amen.
Thinking Out Loud 