kmetsgar

God saw the potential in Gideon to be a "mighty warrior" , his potential due to God being with him to proceed into his task. He did not see Gideon's inadequacies because he knew he would be able to do anything asked as long as he went with God. Gideon believed he was not able to be a warrior, he was inadequate and weak. God's perception is correct because he knows the outcome before it starts. We cannot listen to our own voices about our lack of abilities or the circumstances that we are surrounded by. We must listen to God in order to have the complete potential to be "mighty warriors" and overcome the circumstances that we are in. God sees no weaknesses in us .... but he does see the capabilities.

They had turned away from God and were in disobedience to God. They had worshipped the Gods of the Amorites --- Idolatry They had forgotten God and were not listening to him. Therefore, he put them in circumstances that would bring them to repentance. They were to worship only God and fear nothing of the Amorites. For God was with them and would protect them. As christians, we have hope ... God has a plan and designs mercy for us when we fail. If we just turn to him and cry out asking for repentance and stay obedient. We must accept his guidance and follow him without question.

Because God is allowing the Israelites to suffer and be impoverished, Gideon believes that the trouble is being caused by God. This is wrong, because the Israelites had "done evil in the eyes of the Lord"; they are responsible for what has happened to them. The circumstances they are in are because of their turning from God --- if they call upon the Lord and submit to him totally, they will be removed from these circumstances and restored. People who rely simply on themselves usually end up on the short end of the stick, because without the guidance and leadership of God we are too weak to take care of ourselves and whatever circumstances that we are in. If we relinquish our will and depend on the Lord, he will make us "mighty warriors" and we can overcome the circumstances that we are in. In all things we must put God first and have total reliance upon him ... he knows what we need and why we need it ... even though what we want is not what he wants for us.

Hi, I'm Kim from Texas. I attended a Christian University and have made a rededication of my life to Christ this year and am really looking forward to this bible study.