Wanda

God's answer to Gideon's self-image is His answer to each of us: HE IS WITH US...it has nothing to do with who we are...If HE is with us, then we can do all things. It certainly does apply to our lives a Christians. None of us are good enough or equipped well enough..only if HE is with us. Philipians 4:13 says, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me! Prayer: God help me to know that I can do nothing in my own strength but I can do all things thru You!

I do feel that Gideon had low self esteem, and apparently was somewhat depressed about the conditions of his people. Which is where we all could be if we let ourselves. We must be careful not to allow our low self esteem to keep us from doing what God calls us to do. If God speaks to us to do something, I do think that a lot of times we lose sight of the fact that if He has called us, He will equip us.

I think Gideon's assessment was accurate; of the Lord was with them why had all this happened to them? However, I think, like myself sometimes, he had not examined the 'why'...the fact that God had instructed His people to not worship other gods. We fail to realize that our sins and iniquities bring suffering on innocent people sometimes. We disobey God and bring suffering which is not because of anything that someone has done, but because of something I have done. We need to carefully examine our lives and be sure that we have cleared all things with God and our relationship with Christ has to be clear and clean.

Hi: I am Wanda, 59 year old widow (8 years now) from South Carolina and am excited about this study of Gideon. I have really enjoyed Bro. Wilsons studies, etc. I attend a small country church in southeastern SC, USA, direct our adult choir and assist with the Youth Choir. Very active and involved in lots of things...bowling, trying out for church basketball (sprained ankle and all) , etc. Looking forward to this study..God bless you all.