Where It Comes From

And the LORD said to Gideon, “The people who are with you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel claim glory for itself against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ Judges 7:2 (New King James Version)

The reduction of Gideon’s army was for one purpose and one purpose only, to display Who was truly responsible for the forthcoming victory. God’s glory and the credit due Him can often be robbed when anyone but Him is seen as one’s helper, defender, deliverer, and sustainer. While He did use a small army for the battle against Midian, He made sure there was no way they would be able to give themselves the praise, thanks, or accolades for the victorious outcome. It may not have made sense to anyone but God but it was the only way for the people to see where their victory came from and Who gave them the victory. The impossibility of it was the backdrop for God’s work.

I can relate with God’s choice of methods when it comes to deliverance in my own life. This past week I have watched as God did in me what no one or nothing else could do. The domination of my emotions could not be experienced through reading books, talking to people, or following formulas. I could not muster up what it would take to walk in any semblance of freedom for an extended period of time. When I came to the end of myself and realized that all the avenues I “thought” would lead me to victory had failed to produce victory He brought the victory. It was so radical and so profound that I had no doubt it was His work of liberation.

He used some truths I had taken in from a number of sources and circumstances and I was aware of those things. But the result of actually experiencing freedom was all His doing and I am having no trouble giving Him the glory for it! He did not take negative emotions out of me nor did He remove the tendency I have toward wrong perceptions. What He did is show me that it is possible to not allow them to dominate and control me. They seem to have lost their effectiveness and power with me. Several scenarios played out this past weekend that would have normally evoked huge set backs for me without a single trigger taking place. I was able to take in the truth of each matter without the normal emotional feelings and responses getting in the way. Any who battle emotions will see why this is so huge for me! Any who have watched me struggle will rejoice along with me at what my God has done. I know that tests will come and failures will be experienced, but I now walk with confidence in the what God can and will do!

Father, You are incredible! Even in the midst of my own failures, fears, and doubts You brought about what seemed impossible for me. Praise You!!! Amen.

Mighty to Save - Laura Story
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYqogpLpC5Q

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.