Living On Purpose In Christ | Boundaries, Devotions, Positive Affirmations, Bible Study, Christian, Faith, Life Balance

56 | Is Fear Blocking Your Faith? Unlock Practical Bible Study Insights

• Paula Behrens | Certified Aroma Freedom (AFT) Practitioner, Pastor, Christian Coach • Season 2

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Feeling uncertain about God's call on your life? Gideon's journey from fearful wheat thresher to mighty warrior reveals powerful truths about how God works through our weaknesses to achieve His purposes.

This episode opens with a story from my early ministry days—standing in the pulpit for the first time, legs shaking, praying desperately not to throw up or pass out. That terrifying moment laid the foundation for over twenty years of pastoral service, demonstrating how embracing God's calling requires leaning on His strength when fear threatens to overwhelm us.

The heart of this episode explores Gideon's transformation as recorded in the book of Judges. We examine Israel's oppression under the Midianites, Gideon's humble beginnings hiding in a wine press, and God's surprising greeting: "Mighty warrior!" Despite Gideon's doubt and requests for confirmation through the fleece tests, God patiently affirms His calling. Through obedience in tearing down Baal's altar and following God's counterintuitive battle strategy, Gideon witnesses a miraculous victory with just 300 men against a vast Midianite army.

This biblical account offers profound applications for today's believers: God sees potential in us beyond our self-perception, our doubts can become opportunities for growth, faithfulness in small matters precedes greater responsibilities, God's strength shines through our weaknesses, and His unconventional wisdom surpasses human understanding. The episode provides rich discussion questions and journaling prompts to deepen your personal reflection on these timeless truths.

For additional resources to enhance your Bible study experience, visit faithbuildingclub.com, where you'll find printable prayer journals, devotionals, comprehensive study guides, reading plans, as well as the printable resource for this study, designed to nurture your spiritual growth and enrich your group's faith journey.

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Speaker 1:

Hey friend, have you ever felt like you're struggling to find direction in your spiritual journey? Dive into my latest episode for practical Bible study insights, exploring biblical lessons in daily applications to conquer fear, strengthen your faith and pave the path to clarity and spiritual growth as you embrace God's call on your life. Are you feeling a bit swamped with your weekly Bible study prep, wondering how to make your lessons both engaging and impactful, searching for fresh insights to inspire and spiritually nourish your group? Well, you are in the right place. Our Sound Wisdom Bible study lessons are here to make your preparation easier, revive your teaching and profoundly enrich your group's faith journey.

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Before we get started, I'd like to give a shout out to VMP2731. This listener writes, "Exactly what my soul needed. Paula's podcast is a true gift for busy Christian women longing for deeper connection with God. Her gentle guidance, personal testimony and practical faith-building tools make spiritual growth feel not only doable but joyful. I love how she blends biblical wisdom with real-life encouragement, making quiet time with God feel like a life-giving ritual instead of a chore. Every episode inspires me to slow down, tune in and prioritize what truly matters. If you've been craving peace, balance and a faith-filled routine, this is the podcast for you. Thank you so much for your review, friend. Your kind words have uplifted my spirit today. If you'd like to leave a review, we'd truly appreciate it. On Apple Podcasts, simply scroll down to the five-star rating section and click on leave a review. If you're using a PC, open the iTunes app and you'll find the link near the top. Share your thoughts with us today and your review could be showcased on one of our upcoming episodes. What a joy it is for me to hear from our listeners.

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Let's embark on this adventure together. But first let me tell you about my faith building club. You'll find over eight months of printable resources crafted just for Christians. These include everything from prayer and devotional journals to detailed Bible study lessons and reading plans, all designed to deepen your connection with the Word and bring fresh perspectives on your weekly studies. You can find these valuable resources at faithbuildingclub. com no spaces. Hi, I'm Paula, a follower of Jesus, a grandma of six and a retired pastor with a heart for empowering believers. Ready to get started? Grab your Bible, your printable resources and prepare your heart for insights from God.

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Today I want to share a personal story from the early days of my spiritual journey that truly tested balance between fear and faith for me. It was the Sunday after Easter, when I stood in the pulpit of my home church, honored with the task of leading the worship service while the pastor was on vacation. My legs were shaking and fear almost overwhelmed me, but I was certain that stepping into my calling in this way was exactly what I was meant to do. As I followed the order of worship, standing through most of the service, those few precious moments during the offertory music allowed me a brief pause. While sitting there, my prayer was fervent. I remember it well. I prayed. "P lease, God, don't let me throw up or pass out." Looking back, I always chuckle a little, but at that time it was incredibly intense. Little did I know this test of my abilities would lay the groundwork for over two decades of pastoral service. My first preaching experience taught me that embracing God's call to ministry requires leaning on His strength, especially when fear threatens to block our faith.

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Join me now on a journey where we'll uncover how biblical insights and faith can guide us beyond fear, leading to a devoted and fruitful life of serving God and His people. Welcome to our Bible study, Courage and Obedience, from Fear and Doubt to Faith. The story of Gideon is one of the most inspiring narratives in the Bible found in the book of Judges, Gideon, an unlikely hero, is called by God to lead the Israelites against their oppressors, the Midianites. His journey from fear and doubt to faith and victory serves as a powerful example of how God equips and empowers ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary tasks. While the events of Gideon's life took place thousands of years ago, the lessons we can draw from his story are profoundly relevant to our lives today. In this Bible lesson, we will explore the life of Gideon, examining key themes, principles and applications that can help us trust God's plan for victory in our own lives.

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The book of Judges provides a sobering insight into the recurring pattern that plagued Israel during this period. The cycle of apostasy can be summarized in four stages sin, oppression, repentance and deliverance. Israel would drift away from God, forsaking his commands and engaging in idolatry and wickedness. This rebellion against God's covenant marked the beginning of the cycle. As a consequence of this disobedience, God would allow neighboring nations, in this case the Midianites, to oppress Israel. The oppression was often characterized by economic hardship, loss of security and suffering. Among the many oppressors in the book of Judges, the Midianites held a prominent role during Gideon's time. Their oppression was particularly severe, lasting for seven long years.

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During this period, the Midianites, along with other eastern peoples, would descend upon Israel like locusts, ravaging their crops, livestock and livelihoods. The Midianites' presence cast a shadow of fear and despair over the Israelites, as they were constantly on the run and deprived of basic necessities. Amid this bleak backdrop, Gideon, a member of the tribe of Manasseh, emerged as an unexpected figure. He was found threshing wheat in a wine press, an unconventional and fearful act. Typically, wheat was threshed on elevated open-air threshing floors to catch the wind and separate the grain from the chaff. Threshing in a wine press, however, was an act of caution, an attempt to hide from the Midianites who might seize the grain. Gideon's humble beginnings and his choice to thresh in secrecy were indicative of the pervasive fear and uncertainty that had gripped Israel. Furthermore, Gideon's initial lack of confidence in his own abilities and resources made him appear ill-suited for leadership. His circumstances reflected the overall spiritual and emotional state of the Israelites during this dark period.

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Gideon's journey from obscurity to leadership is a testament to God's transformative power in his capacity to work through those who trust and obey him despite their humble beginnings and insecurities. The story reveals that an angel of the Lord appears to Gideon. The encounter between Gideon and the angel marked a pivotal moment in Gideon's life and the unfolding of God's plan for him. When the angel addressed Gideon as a mighty warrior, it was a divine affirmation of Gideon's untapped potential. This title was in stark contrast to Gideon's self-perception as an ordinary, fearful individual. The angel's appearance and words conveyed God's perspective, highlighting that he saw something extraordinary in Gideon a potential leader and deliverer of Israel.

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Despite the angel of the Lord's powerful message, gideon's responses were marked by doubt and uncertainty. He questioned the message, expressing his disbelief in God's presence and power in the face of the ongoing oppression by the Midianites. Gideon's doubt is a relatable human response to a seemingly insurmountable challenge. It reveals his struggle to reconcile the angel's declaration with the grim reality of his circumstances. Gideon's doubts serve as a reminder that even those whom God calls may initially wrestle with questions and uncertainty To seek reassurance and confirmation of God's call. Gideon requested a sign from God using a fleece. He asked that the fleece be wet with dew when the ground around it remained dry on one occasion and then dry while the ground around it remained wet on another. This fleece test demonstrated Gideon's need for tangible proof and his desire to ensure that he was indeed following God's will. God responded to Gideon's request for signs with patience and understanding. He granted both signs, as Gideon had requested, despite the fact that one might have sufficed. This patience displayed God's willingness to accommodate Gideon's doubts and fears, emphasizing his commitment to confirming his call to Gideon.

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In our own lives, when we encounter moments of doubt or uncertainty about God's calling or his presence in challenging circumstances, we can draw inspiration from Gideon's journey. God's patient affirmation and willingness to provide assurance through signs reminds us that he is always with us, empowering us to fulfill the roles and purposes he has prepared for us, even when we may initially doubt our own abilities. Gideon's journey toward obedience and preparation began with a bold and symbolic act tearing down the altar of Baal in his father's house. This act signified a turning away from idolatry, a pivotal step in reestablishing Israel's commitment to the one true God. Baal worship had become prevalent among the Israelites, and it represented a departure from their faith in Yahweh. Gideon's courage to confront this idolatry in his own family, even though he was afraid and did it at night, marked the beginning of a spiritual revival. Gideon's action is a powerful reminder that obedience to God often requires us to confront and dismantle the idols in our own lives, anything that competes with our allegiance to God. It challenges us to examine our hearts and make choices that align with his will, even when it involves confronting deeply ingrained sin or cultural norms.

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Following the destruction of the altar of Baal, Gideon, guided by God's direction, gathered an army of 32,000 men to confront the Midianites. This army appeared to be a powerful force and it seemed logical to rely on sheer numbers for victory. However, God had different plans. God initiated a unique process of elimination, instructing Gideon to reduce the size of his army. First, God allowed those who were fearful or afraid to leave, reducing the army by thousands. Then God took them through a series of tests by the water, selecting only those who drank in a specific way. This process ultimately reduced Gideon's army to a mere 300 men. God's purpose in this dramatic reduction was to demonstrate that victory would come not through human strength or numbers, but through his intervention and power. The smaller, more vulnerable army would magnify the glory of God when they were triumphant over the Midianites, showcasing God's miraculous provision and strength.

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Gideon's obedience extended beyond the composition of his army. It also encompassed following God's unconventional battle plan, God instructed Gideon to equip his men with torches, trumpets and empty pitchers. They were to surround the Midianite camp at night and, at a signal, break the pitchers revealing the torches and blowing the trumpets. This unconventional approach emphasized that the victory would come from God's strategy rather than from human military tactics. Gideon's trust in God's battle plan was a testament to his growing faith and obedience. He didn't rely on the conventional wisdom of warfare but placed his confidence in God's guidance. The outcome of the battle, as we will explore further, highlighted the effectiveness of Gideon's trust in God's unconventional methods.

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Let's talk about the Battle of Midian. With a small, unconventional army of 300 men, Gideon embarked on the battle. Their strategy was unlike anything the Midianites had encountered before. Gideon divided his men into three companies, each carrying torches hidden in pitchers and trumpets. They surrounded the Midianite camp during the middle watch of the night. At Gideon's signal, they broke the pitchers revealing the torches and blew the trumpets, creating a sudden and startling noise. This unexpected attack caused confusion and chaos among the Midianites. They awoke to the sound of trumpets, saw the surrounding lights and believed they were under attack by a massive force. The Midianites, overwhelmed by fear and disorientation, began to flee and turned on one another in the darkness. Gideon's unconventional tactics, combined with God's supernatural intervention, created a powerful moment in which the Midianites were defeated by their own panic.

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Central to Gideon's victory was God's direct intervention. It was not the brilliance of the military strategy or the strength of Gideon's army that routed the Midianites, but rather God's sovereign power. The Lord caused the Midianites to turn on each other in fear and confusion. This divine intervention displayed God's supremacy over human circumstances and emphasized that the victory belonged to God. The Battle of Midian serves as a profound reminder that in our own lives, victory often hinges on God's intervention rather than our own abilities. When we face seemingly insurmountable challenges or formidable foes, we must remember that God can intervene in extraordinary ways to bring about our deliverance.

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Through the astonishing victory over the Midianites, Gideon's faith and trust in God were profoundly strengthened. Gideon, who initially doubted his own abilities and questioned God's presence, now witnessed firsthand the remarkable power of the Almighty. His faith journey mirrored a transformation from insecurity and hesitation to unwavering trust and confidence in God's promises. Gideon's story illustrates that faith is not static, but can grow and mature as we experience God's faithfulness in our own lives. It encourages us to trust God even when our circumstances seem bleak, knowing that he can turn the tide on any battle and strengthen our faith in the process. The victory at the Battle of Midian marked the end of the oppressive seven-year rule of the Midianites over Israel. The oppression was broken and the Israelites enjoyed a season of peace that lasted for 40 years. During this time, Israel experienced relief from the hardships and suffering they had endured. This period of reprieve highlighted the significance of Gideon's leadership and the impact of his obedience and faith. It demonstrated that when God raises up leaders who are willing to trust him and follow his guidance, entire communities can experience freedom and peace.

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Let's talk about some applications for today. Just as Gideon was called to a specific purpose, each of us has a unique calling from God. It might involve our careers, relationships or service to others. Trusting God's plan for our lives is not always easy, especially when it appears improbable or challenging. However, Gideon's story reminds us that God sees potential in us that we might not recognize in ourselves. To apply this today, we should seek God's guidance, pray for clarity and step out in faith even when the path ahead seems uncertain. Trusting God's calling often leads to unexpected and remarkable outcomes.

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Gideon's initial doubts about God's presence, power and plan are relatable to many of us In our journey of faith. Doubt can be a natural part of the process. Yet God is patient and willing to confirm his calling to us, just as he did with Gideon. When doubts arise, we should turn to prayer, seek God's word for reassurance and remember past instances of his faithfulness. God uses our doubts and opportunities for growth and deepening our faith. We can learn from Gideon to trust God's character even in the face of uncertainty.

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Gideon's obedience in tearing down idols and preparing for battle underscores the principle that we must be obedient in small matters before God entrusts us with more significant responsibilities. This applies to our spiritual growth and service. We should be faithful in the small tasks God places before us, whether it's practicing kindness, studying his word or serving in our communities. As we prove faithful in these smaller areas, God can entrust us with greater influence and impact in his kingdom. Gideon's victory with a small, ill-equipped army emphasizes the truth that God's power is made perfect in our weaknesses.

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Today, we should learn to rely on God's strength, recognizing that our own limitations can be a canvas for God's miraculous work. When we face challenges that seem insurmountable, we can turn to God, seeking his guidance and strength. His power shines through our weaknesses, demonstrating his glory to the world. Gideon's unique battle strategy challenges us to trust in God's wisdom rather than relying solely on conventional wisdom or human methods. Often, God's ways are not our ways and his solutions may seem unconventional. To apply this principle today, we should be open to God's guidance, even when it appears counterintuitive. This means seeking his direction in prayer, consulting his word and being willing to step out in faith, even if it means going against the norm. Gideon's unconventional faith teaches us that God's wisdom transcends human understanding and his plans are always for our good and his glory.

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Okay, so I've included a few discussion questions for those using this study in a group setting. Plus, there's a journaling section filled with deeper reflection questions for individual use. Download your resource now. Grab your pen and paper or stylus and embark on your personal journey of discovery with God. I hope today's discussion brought you inspiration and insight. If you found it valuable, could you spare just 30 seconds to share my Faith Building Club with another study group who might benefit from these resources? That's faithbuildingclub. com, no spaces. Your support means so much and it will help us spread God's word. Also, if you have a moment, follow the show and leave us a review. It truly warms my heart to know our sessions are making a difference. See you on the next episode of Sound Wisdom. Until then, keep your Bibles open and your coffee mugs ready. Adding a little fuel makes our scripture journey even more delightful.