The Supernatural of God
Let's begin with Gideon Humble Confession
We trace that in Judges 6:17 ESV “And he said to him, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.”
An assessment of Gideon and his clan's weaknesses. There is a lack of confidence, fear, and uncertainty in moving ahead to deal with the enemy. Not knowing what will happen next if they are defeated. Here are some details about this judge & his context.
A. Gideon was Afraid & Weak
Gideon originates from the Tribe of Manasseh, Judge 6:15 Gideons Clan is Abiezer, the weakest and minor “my clan is the weakest in Manasseh.” 6:17
Gideon considers or maybe he was the least in his family “I am the least in my father’s house.” 6:17
Gideon is not from a powerful family. “Gideon threshed wheat in the winepress.” 6:17
Gideon has no fancy status, no political influences or networks to support him.
Gideon was poor most likely. “Gideon threshed wheat in the winepress.” 6:15
Gideon was living in a survival mode.Gideon was afraid. “In order to hide it from the Midianites.” 6:15
B. Socially: They were oppressed by the Midianites.
They were hiding in caves and winepress,“And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel. Because of the Midianites, the children of Israel made for themselves the dens, the caves, and the strongholds which are in the mountains.” Judges 6:2 (ESV).
C. Spiritually: The Nation of Israel rejected God.
They Worshiped Baal.
God gives a call to Gideon to be the Judge.
God’s call for Gideon begins with a surprising declaration. While Gideon is hiding and feeling weak, the Angel of the LORD appears and says, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior” (Judg. 6:12). This statement is both ironic and prophetic. Gideon does not see himself as strong or capable, but God speaks to what Gideon will become, not what he feels in the moment. Gideon immediately objects, questioning why Israel is suffering if God is truly with them and explaining that he is unfit to lead because his clan is the weakest in Manasseh and he is the least in his family (Judg. 6:13–15). His response shows honest doubt, a wounded understanding of God’s work in Israel, and a deep sense of personal inadequacy.
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.” 14 And the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?” 15 And he said to him, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.”
God does not reject Gideon because of his fear. Instead, He confirms the call through a supernatural sign. When Gideon brings an offering, the Angel of the LORD touches it, and fire comes out of the rock and consumes it, showing God’s presence and divine commissioning (Judg. 6:19–24). Before Gideon leads Israel publicly, God commands him to tear down his father’s altar to Baal and build an altar to the LORD. Gideon obeys, but he does it at night because he is afraid (Judg. 6:25–32). This shows that Gideon’s leadership begins at home, confronting idolatry, and that God works through obedience even when courage is incomplete.
The true turning point comes when the Spirit of the LORD clothes Gideon (Judg. 6:34). He moves from being a reluctant and fearful man to a Spirit-empowered leader.
Let's investigate our Three Spiritual Principles
The Lord Speaks in our Doubts
In the text here, God confirmed Gideon through a dream that God will make sure that they don't lose the battle. God will be with them. Regardless of Gideons self-doubt, lack of confidence in leadership, lack of courage God doesn't simply put him down. But God helps Gideon to see that God is with him, and God confirms His victory for Him. See this what it makes God good. Regardless of our unbelief, he still confirms that He will be with us and He will make it happen.
Just like in the case of Peter. Matthew 14: 28-33, “And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So, Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind,[d] he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Just like in the case of Mary Luke 1:34 (ESV). “And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
Just like in the case of Hanna 1 Samuel 1:10 (ESV). “She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly.”
1 Samuel 1:17 (ESV). Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.”
Just like Joshua who was afraid after mosses died, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.” Joshua 1:6 (ESV)
2. The Lord is For You
The lord God was with Gideon that is the reason he spoke to him. The phrase in the text is ‘For the Lord and for Gideon.’ Judges 7: 18. This is good news. If our God is with us who can be against us. That’s all we need to worry about in our spiritual warfare episodes. Noting that we don’t pick up any task or agendas without knowing if God is in it or not.
The Episode of Jehoshaphat
“Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 And Judah assembled to seek help from the LORD; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD. 5 And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court, 6 and said, “O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you. 7 Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend?” 2 Chronicles 20;3–7 (ESV).
“Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's. 2 Chronicles 20: 15 (ESV).
We need to have this simple faith; God is for us.
3. The Lord Equips You for the War
The Lord gives you the Weapon of Warfare: Now don't be the next revolutionary zealot by carrying a dagger to push back your opponent or even stab them or cut their ears just like Peter. No, we don't do that! Our weapons of warfare are spiritual and not carnal. The Lord has not sent His people into spiritual battle unarmed; He has graciously equipped us with powerful weapons for warfare. Chief among them is the Word of God, the sword of the Spirit, through which truth overcomes lies and victory is secured, just as Christ defeated the enemy by declaring, “It is written.”
Alongside the Word, God gives us prayer, through which we access heaven’s power; imputed righteousness, by which we stand confident and unashamed in Christ; a united and supportive community, where strength is multiplied; worship, which shifts atmospheres and enthrones God; and wisdom and direction through the Holy Spirit, who guides us in every battle. These are not human strategies but divine provisions, and when the church stands grounded in the Word and led by the Spirit, it stands firm in victory.
