The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord,and for seven years he gave them into the hands of the Midianites. Because the power of Midian was so oppressive,the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in mountain clefts, caves and strongholds. Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern peoples invaded the country. They camped on the land and ruined the crops all the way to Gaza and did not spare a living thing for Israel, neither sheep nor cattle nor donkeys.
Judges 6:1-4
When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “TheLord is with you mighty warrior.”
Judges 6:12
But you are a chosen people,a royal priesthood,a holy nation,God’s special possession,that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:9
… living with repeated abandonment experiences creates toxic shame. Shame arises from the painful message implied in abandonment: “You are not important. You are not of value.”
Claudia Black, ”The Many Faces of Addiction”
Remember
God has a purpose for your pain, a reason for your struggle and a reward for your faithfulness. Don’t give up!
Reflect
1. Was there anything David said in this weekend’s message that spoke directly to you?
2. What meaning does the word "faithful" have for you?
3. Do you sometimes forget Gods faithfulness in your life because you're paying too much attention to your own failures?
4. Like Gideon, have you stopped searching for God's purpose in your life?
5. What are some steps you can begin taking today to remind you of God's faithfulness?