Scripture Focus: Judges 6:13
Introduction:
In Judges 6:13, Gideon asks, “If the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us?” This question captures a common struggle of doubt and confusion in the face of hardship. Gideon’s question serves as a basis for examining key lessons about God’s presence and purpose in our lives.
Lesson 1: God’s Presence Doesn’t Mean an Absence of Trouble
• Judges 6:13 – “And Gideon said to him, ‘Please, my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.’”
• John 16:33 – “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Reflection: Life’s challenges don’t negate God’s presence. Jesus reminds us that we’ll face tribulation, but we can find courage and peace through Him. Like Gideon, we may feel God is absent during trials, but God promises His enduring presence.
Lesson 2: God is With Us in Unseen Ways
• Romans 8:28 – “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
• 2 Kings 6:15-17 – “When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, ‘Alas, my master! What shall we do?’ He said, ‘Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ Then Elisha prayed and said, ‘O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.’ So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
Reflection: God is often working in unseen ways. In Elisha’s story, God’s army was present though invisible until He opened the servant’s eyes. In our lives, we can trust that God is at work even when we can’t see it.
Lesson 3: God’s Timing is Perfect
• Isaiah 40:31 – “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Reflection: God’s timing is always purposeful. Waiting on God teaches us patience and reliance on His perfect timing. As Israel waited for deliverance, God was preparing them, just as He was preparing Gideon to deliver his people.
Lesson 4: Faith Requires Trust in God’s Character
• Hebrews 11:6 – “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”
• Job 13:15 – “Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face.”
Reflection: Gideon’s struggle reminds us of the challenge to trust God’s character during hardship. Faith requires believing that God is good and faithful, even when circumstances seem to say otherwise.
Lesson 5: God Uses Our Doubts to Grow Our Faith
• James 1:2-4 – “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
• John 20:27-29 – “Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”
Reflection: Doubts don’t disqualify us from God’s purposes. Like Thomas, who moved from doubt to belief, Gideon’s questioning became a step toward greater faith. God uses our doubts to strengthen our trust in Him.
Lesson 6: God Prepares Us to be Part of the Solution
• Isaiah 6:8 – “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’”
• Nehemiah 1:4 – “As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.”
Reflection: Gideon’s frustrations led to God’s calling him to deliver Israel. God often stirs our hearts so we’ll be ready to act. Nehemiah’s burden for Jerusalem moved him to lead the city’s rebuilding. We, too, may be called to step forward as God’s solution.
Lesson 7: Our Faith Can Encourage Others
• Philippians 1:14 – “And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”
• Acts 4:13 – “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.”
Reflection: Gideon’s journey inspired others to trust God, leading Israel to victory. Our faith in action can encourage those around us to be bold and to trust in God’s presence, even in uncertain times.
Discussion Questions:
- When have you felt like Gideon, wondering if God was truly with you? How did you handle that time?
- How does the promise of God’s unseen presence (2 Kings 6:15-17) impact the way you face your challenges?
- What actions might God be calling you to take, even if you feel uncertain, as Gideon did?