The LORD said to Gideon, “The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’

 Judges 6-7

The LORD said to Gideon, “The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ Judges 7:2

I completed my quick study of Jude (given it's only one chapter), and before I jump into a new study, I paused to study Judges 6-7 and text used for my Friday morning men's Bible study.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God is full of grace, mercy, patience, etc.  Even though the people of Israel "did what was evil in the sight of the Lord" (Judges 6:1), after He gave Israel into the hands of the Midianites, the Amalekites, and the people of the East, He heard and responded to the cries of Israel asking for His help, and sent an angel/prophet of the Lord  (vv6:6-12), He calls Gideon to lead Israel against Midian and assures Gideon that "He will be with [him]" (vv6:13-16).  Even though scripture (Deuteronomy 6:16 shares that we are not to put God to the test, He allows Gideon to ask for signs that He is who He says He is (v6:17).  God meets Gideon in his fears and doubts again and reassures Him that God will be with Gideon as He calls Gideon to go up and save Israel from Midian.  He once again demonstrates His grace and mercy as He allows Gideon to test Him (ask for signs) - and God delivers not just once this request for a sign but three times (vv19-24, vv36-40).  God is rich in mercy!  Ultimately, God delivers Israel from Midian (Judges 7) and He makes it clear that it is not the might of Gideon or his men, but the might of God.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: We often doubt God will be with us, or that He really does want us to do "big" things - God wants us to be clear that He will never leave or forsake us. Repeatedly God assures His people that He not only wants us to do big things but that He will equip us, He will be with us, and that we will be clear that it is His might and power that allows us to do big things - see also Deuteronomy 31:6–8, Joshua 1:5, Matthew 28:16-20, and Hebrews 13:5. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We are to avoid doubting God so much that fail to trust Him.  We must claim the promise that He is able to do all things and with/through Him we are all to do all things - and He gets all the credit!  Follow the example of Gideon and so many other Biblical heroes who had faith and trusted in Him - in good and lean times. Believe and have faith - go to Him with your doubts, concerns, etc. as He wants to give you a peace that surpasses all understanding. 

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for staying with me through all of my doubts, concerns, anxiety, etc. I know that with and through You I am able to do all things and that You deserve all the credit and praise - You are a great God!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.