We all seem to be living in an alternate universe at the moment and wherever you are I'm pretty sure you could use some encouragement. I am hoping what I'll post will encourage you.
In Judges 6 there is a story about Gideon, he is a judge for Israel during the time that God gave the Israelites over to the Midianites because they were disobedient. Gideon was a very timid and fearful man. He gives God all kinds of excuses as to why he can't do what God has instructed him to do. He even tests God.
Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised— 37 look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you said.” 38 And that is what happened. Gideon rose early the next day; he squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew—a bowlful of water.
39 Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece, but this time make the fleece dry and let the ground be covered with dew.” 40 That night God did so. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew.
If we zoomed in and just focused on Gideon being timid and fearful, or his test of God we'd miss how God in chapter 7 of Judges uses Gideon to defeat the Midianites.
Kind of like right now with everyone zoomed in on COVID-19. Satan loves to distract and place fear where it doesn't need to be.
Do we need to be concerned about the virus spreading around the world. Absolutely! Should we zoom in on just that and the way the virus is affecting us negatively? Absolutely NOT!
I don't think God wants His people wringing their hands in worry, fear, frustration, anger . . . and the list can go on. I believe He would want us to take this time spending it with our family, read, do a puzzle, play a board game, learn a new hobby. . . things that we continue to put off because we just don't have the time. Now, we all have the time in the world and we can't seem to find anything to do. Ironic, huh?
“'For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, for I myself will help you,' declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” ~ Isaiah 41:13-14
Do your kids like fantasy books? Andrew Peterson the author of the Wingfeather Saga is reading it online for kids. You can catch the episodes on his Facebook page HERE!
Now, it's your turn . . . where have you been reading in the Bible lately, what has touched you during this time? Let me know in the comments and then go visit my friends for more Thursday Encouragement.
Nicole @ Christian Fiction Girl
Jacquelyn @ Heavenly Home
Jessica @ A Baker's Perspective
Gina @ Stories by Gina
Rebecca @ Rev. Rebecca Writes
Becca @ The Becca Files
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