Unshakable Faith

    

 

 

By Faith -14

TITLE: Unshakable Faith

TEXT: Hebrews 11:32; Judges 6-7

THESIS: The story of Gideon exemplifies that God’s presence is with us in our weakness, urging us to transform our doubts into trust, embrace obedience despite fear, and ultimately rely on His unconventional plans for victory in our lives.

 

TRUTH:  During a storm, when Peter saw Jesus approaching on the water, he stepped out of the boat, demonstrating an initial act of faith and obedience despite the overwhelming uncertainty and danger surrounding him. Even as doubt crept in and he began to sink, it was his willingness to trust Jesus that allowed him to experience something truly miraculous. This story illustrates that unshakeable faith doesn't require perfect certainty or unwavering strength; rather, it flourishes in the face of fear and uncertainty.

 

It's important not to confuse unshakeable faith with concepts of perfect faith or strong faith. While these ideas may seem similar at first glance, they carry distinct meanings. Unshakeable faith emphasizes the significance of obedience amid uncertainty, focusing less on unwavering belief and more on the courage to step out in faith, even when the outcome is uncertain. Perfect faith, although an elusive notion, suggests an ideal state in which one believes without any doubts or hesitations. It represents a form of faith that seems flawless—free from questions or struggles. On the other hand, strong faith implies a robust belief that withstands challenges, temptations, and trials.

 

While both types of faith are admirable, they can inadvertently create the unrealistic expectation that true faith must always be accompanied by certainty and strength. Unshakeable faith, in contrast, embraces human frailty and acknowledges the reality of doubt. It recognizes that even when doubts arise or circumstances become overwhelming, the call to obedience remains paramount. This type of faith doesn’t rely on the absence of fear or uncertainty; instead, it views those doubts as an integral part of the journey and chooses to trust God despite them.

 

For instance, consider Gideon. He was initially fearful and hesitant, repeatedly seeking signs from God to confirm his calling. Yet, even amid his doubts, he ultimately chose to obey God. This illustrates that God’s presence is with us in our weakness, as seen in Judges 6:1-6.

 

 

I.                             God’s Presence is With Us in Our Weakness (Judges 6:1-6).

Explanation: The story of Gideon begins during a time of great oppression for the Israelites, who found themselves suffering severely at the hands of the Midianites and Amalekites. This oppression was a result of the Israelites' wrongdoing in the sight of the Lord. The devastation was so profound that it resembled a locust invasion, leaving the land barren and the people in despair. In their anguish, the Israelites cried out to the Lord twice. In response to their plight, God sent a prophet to offer hope and direction.

 

Gideon’s journey is particularly significant because it highlights a common theme throughout Scripture: God often calls those who appear unqualified to fulfill His divine plans. This theme resonates with the promise in 2 Corinthians 12:9, which states that divine strength is made perfect in our weakness. This passage encourages believers to trust in God's ability to empower them, regardless of their perceived limitations. Indeed, God sees the potential within each of us and calls us to respond to His invitation.

 

A powerful illustration of this theme is found in the story of Moses. When God appointed Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses expressed his feelings of inadequacy—citing his lack of eloquence and doubts about his ability to persuade Pharaoh. God reassured Moses, equipping him with the tools necessary for his mission (Ex. 3-4). Similarly, David was overlooked by his family and deemed too small and inexperienced to be king. Yet God chose David to lead Israel, demonstrating that divine selection often transcends human criteria (1 Sam. 16).

 

Another example is Jeremiah, who, when called to be a prophet, expressed his fears and insecurities, claiming he was too young and could not speak effectively. God’s response was to assure him of His presence and to promise to put His words in Jeremiah’s mouth (Jeremiah 1:4-10).

 

In the case of Gideon, God directly addressed his fears. The Lord turned to Gideon and said, "Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; don't I send you?" (Judges 6:14). This call emphasizes that even in moments of doubt and insecurity, God empowers those He chooses to fulfill His purpose.

 

 

II.                        Our Doubts Can Lead to Greater Trust (Judges 6:33-40)

 

Explanation: God gives His people His Spirit. When the enemies from the east gathered against Israel, God empowered Gideon with His Spirit to assemble a coalition of Israelites to confront them. Although Gideon previously asked for a sign (v. 17), he still doubted God’s saving plan and tested God two more times with a fleece. Each time, God provided Gideon with a sign confirming that he would save Israel. It's interesting to note that throughout this incident, there is no direct speech from God.

 

Gideon’s request for signs through the fleece reflects a common human tendency to seek reassurance in times of doubt. His repeated testing of God might strike us as a lack of faith, yet it also reveals a genuine desire to understand God’s will more clearly. This resonates with many of us today, as we often grapple with moments of uncertainty in our lives. We may wonder whether we’re truly following God’s plan or should take a different path. Just as Gideon received confirmation from God, we, too, can seek it. Still, in the same way, we have the complete Canon of Scripture, and it is sufficient to provide you with the necessary confirmation, but you must get alone with God in silence and search the Scriptures.

 

In our modern context, the challenge lies in how we handle our doubts. There is a tendency to view doubt as something negative, as if it indicates a lack of faith. However, this passage encourages us to see doubts not as barriers to faith but as opportunities for deeper trust. Just like Gideon’s repeated requests for signs led to a greater understanding of God’s faithfulness. God will do the same for us through His word. We must overcome our doubts and seek God through them. Instead of suppressing our concerns, we can bring them directly to God in prayer.

 

 

III.                      Faith Requires Obedience Despite Fear (Judges 7:1-8)

 

Explanation:  God ensures that He alone receives the glory for His acts of salvation. After Gideon tested God, the tables turned, and God chose to test Gideon in return. Although Gideon had assembled a massive army, God warned him that victory achieved with such a large force would lead the Israelites to believe that their own strength had saved them. To prevent this, God instructed Gideon to significantly reduce his army, leaving him with just 300 men. This was more than a mere reduction; it was a profound test of faith. Throughout this process, only God communicated directly, seemingly responding to Gideon's initial fleece test. As the Lord stated, “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.’"

 

This divine strategy served a greater purpose beyond merely demonstrating God's power; it was intended to teach the Israelites that true victory comes from Him alone. This theme resonates throughout scripture. Consider David’s battle with Goliath, where simple stones and a slingshot triumphed over armor and might, or Paul’s assertion that in our weakness, we find true strength (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

 

When the Israelites surrounded the enemy camp, their victory didn’t come from superior numbers or weapons. Instead, they blew trumpets, broke jars, waved torches, and shouted with all their might, which terrified the enemy and led them to turn on one another. The Lord struck fear into their hearts, showcasing His unmatched power.

 

This principle remains relevant for us today. Many of us face situations where we feel ill-equipped or overwhelmed by the challenges before us. It’s easy to look at our resources, skills, or connections and believe we need more to succeed. Yet, often, God calls us to step out in faith with what little we have, trusting that He will meet our needs. Our limitations can become the very canvas on which God displays His greatness.

 

The fear that Gideon must have experienced, standing against a formidable enemy with only 300 men, reflects the fears we encounter in our personal, professional, or spiritual lives. In those daunting moments, we can find comfort in the knowledge that God's plan is perfect and that His strength is made manifest in our weakness. Remember, our limitations do not confine God; He possesses the power to move mountains, overcome giants, and transform our weaknesses into remarkable strengths.

 

 

IV.                     True Faith Trust in God’s Plan (Judges 7:19-22)

 

Explanation: Despite God’s continual encouragement, Gideon was often paralyzed by fear. A pivotal moment occurred at night when the Lord reassured him of His promise to deliver the Midianites into his hands. Still hesitant and unsure, Gideon was instructed to take his servant into the enemy camp to gauge their sentiments. The Midianites and their allies were likened to a locust swarm, highlighting their overwhelming numbers as described in Judges 6:5.

 

While in the camp, Gideon overheard a soldier recount a dream in which a loaf of bread rolled through the Midianite camp, symbolizing defeat. The soldier’s companion interpreted this dream as a sign of Gideon's impending victory, igniting a spark of worship and bolstering Gideon's confidence in their mission. With renewed courage, he returned to his own camp, rallied his 300 soldiers, and unveiled a bold strategy.

 

Gideon’s unconventional victory over the Midianites—won through a surprising tactic involving trumpets and torches (Judges 7:19-20)—illustrates a profound truth: faith often requires trusting in God’s plan, even when it defies human logic. This remarkable event underscores the power of unified faith in action, demonstrating how God can achieve extraordinary outcomes through methods that may seem foolish. For instance, He used a donkey to speak to the prophet Balaam when he intended to curse the Israelites. He brought down Jericho with trumpet blasts and shouts. Jesus fed over 5,000 people with a little boy's sack lunch.

 

In Gideon's case, as the Scriptures reveal, “When they blew the 300 trumpets, the Lord set every man’s sword against his comrade and against all the army” (Judges 7:22).

 

TAKE-AWAY: This powerful narrative illustrates that when we place our trust in God, incredible victories are possible—regardless of our fears or doubts.

 

The story also provides valuable lessons for the church.

1.       God often strengthens through subtraction.

2.       God does not need large numbers to accomplish His purpose.

3.       Nor does He need especially gifted leaders.

He wants us to trust Him even when we doubt. To obey Him even when we are afraid.