GIDEON'S DIVINE ENCOUNTER
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Judges 6:11-24
"And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites. And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites. And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?... And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man." (Judges 6:11-16, KJV)
Key Verse: "And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?" (Judges 6:14)
Supporting Texts: Judges 7:1-22; Exodus 3:11-12; Jeremiah 1:6-10; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Philippians 4:13; Romans 8:31.
Description: God encounters ordinary people, transforms their fears into faith, and empowers them to accomplish extraordinary assignments.
INTRODUCTION
God often chooses unlikely people to accomplish extraordinary purposes. While human beings focus on outward appearance, experience, and ability, God looks at the heart, faith, and willingness to obey. Gideon's encounter reminds us that God specialises in turning fearful people into courageous leaders.
During Gideon's time, Israel suffered greatly under the oppression of the Midianites because of their disobedience. The people lived in constant fear, hiding their food and possessions from the enemy. Gideon himself was threshing wheat in a winepress to avoid being discovered when God suddenly appeared to him.
That divine encounter completely changed Gideon's life. He entered God's presence as a frightened farmer with low self-esteem, but he left with divine assurance, supernatural courage, and a mission to deliver Israel. Every believer who encounters God can experience the same transformation from fear to faith and from weakness to strength.
1. GOD SEES YOUR POTENTIAL, NOT YOUR LIMITATIONS
God never evaluates people according to their present condition. He sees the destiny He has prepared for them long before they recognise it themselves.
a) God Calls You According To Your Destiny (Judges 6:12)
The angel addressed Gideon as "thou mighty man of valour" even though Gideon felt weak and insignificant. God speaks to who you are becoming, not merely who you are today.
b) Your Past Does Not Determine Your Future (Isaiah 43:18-19)
Past failures, disappointments, or fears cannot stop God from fulfilling His purpose when you surrender to Him.
c) God Chooses The Humble (1 Corinthians 1:26-29)
The Lord delights in using those who depend upon Him so that all the glory belongs to Him alone.
d) Your Identity Is Found In God (2 Corinthians 5:17)
When you belong to Christ, your identity is no longer defined by your weaknesses but by God's grace and calling.
Biblical Example: David (1 Samuel 16:11-13). Though overlooked by his family, God chose the young shepherd boy to become king over Israel.
2. GOD REPLACES FEAR WITH DIVINE ASSURANCE
One of the greatest blessings of a divine encounter is the confidence that God is with us. His presence removes fear and fills believers with courage.
a) God Understands Your Questions (Judges 6:13)
Gideon honestly expressed his doubts and concerns. God is not offended by sincere questions asked in faith.
b) God Promises His Presence (Judges 6:16)
The Lord assured Gideon, "Surely I will be with thee." God's presence is the greatest guarantee of success.
c) Faith Overcomes Fear (Isaiah 41:10)
When believers trust God's promises, fear loses its power over their lives.
d) God Strengthens The Weak (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
God's strength is made perfect in human weakness, enabling believers to accomplish what seems impossible.
Biblical Example: Joshua (Joshua 1:1-9). As Joshua prepared to lead Israel, God repeatedly encouraged him to be strong and courageous because of His abiding presence.
3. DIVINE ENCOUNTERS REQUIRE OBEDIENCE
God's promises become reality when His people respond in obedience. Faith is demonstrated through action.
a) Destroy Every Idol (Judges 6:25-27)
Before Gideon could lead Israel publicly, he had to remove idolatry from his own household. Personal holiness precedes public ministry.
b) Follow God's Instructions Completely (Judges 7:2-7)
God reduced Gideon's army from thirty-two thousand to three hundred so that Israel would recognise His power rather than human strength.
c) Trust God's Strategy (Proverbs 3:5-6)
God's methods often differ from human reasoning, but His wisdom never fails.
d) Step Forward In Faith (Hebrews 11:32-34)
Faith acts upon God's Word even when the outcome cannot yet be seen.
Biblical Example: Noah (Genesis 6:13-22). Noah obeyed every instruction God gave him, and his obedience brought salvation to his household.
4. GOD USES YOUR ENCOUNTER TO BLESS OTHERS
God never blesses His people merely for personal benefit. Every divine encounter equips believers to become instruments of deliverance and hope.
a) Become A Deliverer (Judges 6:14)
God called Gideon to deliver Israel from oppression. Believers are called to bring spiritual freedom to others through Christ.
b) Lead By Faith (Judges 7:19-22)
Gideon's faith inspired others to trust God and experience miraculous victory.
c) Give God All The Glory (Psalm 115:1)
When God works through us, all honour and praise belong to Him alone.
d) Leave A Legacy Of Faith (Hebrews 11:32)
Gideon's faith earned him a place among the heroes of faith because he trusted God completely.
Biblical Example: Gideon (Judges 7:19-25). Through obedience and faith, Gideon led a small army to defeat the Midianites, proving that victory belongs to the Lord.
CONCLUSION
Gideon's divine encounter demonstrates that God is able to transform ordinary people into extraordinary instruments of His purpose. Fear, inadequacy, and weakness are no barriers to God when His people are willing to trust and obey Him. His presence is the key to every victory.
No matter how insignificant you may feel today, remember that God sees greatness within you because He created you for His purpose. As you seek Him, obey His voice, and rely upon His strength, He will empower you to overcome every obstacle and fulfil the destiny He has prepared for your life.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, grant me a life-changing encounter that will reveal Your purpose for my life, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, remove every spirit of fear and replace it with boldness and faith, in Jesus name.
3. Father, help me to see myself the way You see me, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, let Your presence continually go with me wherever I go, in Jesus name.
5. Father, destroy every idol and stronghold that hinders my relationship with You, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, give me grace to obey Your instructions completely, in Jesus name.
7. Father, use my life as an instrument of deliverance and blessing to many people, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, strengthen me to overcome every obstacle standing before my destiny, in Jesus name.
9. Father, let every weakness in my life become a platform for Your power, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, fulfil every purpose You have ordained for my life, in Jesus name.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. You shall no longer be controlled by fear, for the Lord shall fill your heart with courage and confidence.
2. Every limitation that has held you back shall give way to the power of God's grace.
3. The Lord shall reveal your true identity and establish you in His divine purpose.
4. You shall accomplish every assignment God has entrusted to you through His supernatural strength.
5. Every enemy opposing your destiny shall be defeated by the mighty hand of God.
6. The presence of the Lord shall distinguish you and grant you victory in every battle of life.
7. You shall walk in uncommon wisdom and discernment as you obey God's voice.
8. Your life shall become a testimony of God's ability to use ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.
9. You shall inspire others to trust God through your faith, obedience, and testimony.
10. From this day forward, you shall move from fear to faith, from weakness to strength, and from obscurity to divine significance, in the mighty name of Jesus.
