Hesitant Heroes

FEB 19  / Sunday | Series: God Could Use Someone Like You – Read Ex 3:9-11 and 4:13 / Judg 6:1-6, 11-16 and 7:2-4, 7, 16, 16-22

Overview: Do you doubt yourself? Do you doubt God? You’re not alone. And God could still use someone like you.

20 / Mon – Objections  |  Read Exodus 3:9-11 and 4:13

Moses is known as the mighty leader who confronted Pharaoh, delivered his people from Egyptian slavery and led the nation of Israel for 40 years. Was he always that brave? As you read in ch 3 & 4 his conversation with God, count the objections Moses raised. How fearful would a man have to be in order to argue with Almighty God about what he was being told to do? Have you ever argued with God when he has told you to do something? What happened?

21 / Tue – What’s in your hand?  |  Read Exodus 2:11-15 and 4:1-3, 17

Although Moses was raised in the palace, his impulsive act of trying to save a Hebrew slave by killing the overseer forced him to flee for his life to another country where he lived for forty years as a shepherd. Is that why Moses thought he was incapable of the task he was called to? The Lord asked Moses an interesting question during their conversation at the burning bush…“what is that in your hand?” Is God asking you the same question when you feel he can’t use someone like you?

22 / Wed – Start small and use the faith you have  |  Read Judges 6:11-16, 25-32

Gideon started out with very little faith. He was bold enough to confront the angelic visitor about the troubles his people faced (6:1-10) but also considered himself a nobody when God told him to save Israel (v. 15). Gideon obeyed the first task he was given but was so fearful that he did it under cover of night because he knew he’d face not only the townspeople’s anger but his own father. The important thing is that he obeyed. Are you willing to start small and see what God will do?

23 / Thu – The key is in the promise  |  Read Judges 6:33-40

In this second part of Gideon’s story, how was his reaction different than when God spoke about using him to deliver Israel from their enemies the first time? Review God’s promise in verse 16 and compare it to verse 34. How might this apply in your own situation? Are you like Gideon needing a sign that you are going the right direction? God did not chide Gideon for asking because he knew Gideon’s heart. Don’t be afraid to ask the Lord for confirmation as you move forward in obedience.

24 / Fri – Impossible math  |  Read Judges 7:1-8, 15-22

Some are hesitant to follow God’s direction because they lack needed resources. Gideon’s army of 32,000 was no match for the enemy army of 135,000 (8:10) but Gideon’s faith had been growing. He trusted the Lord even when God whittled his army down to 300. Reread Gideon’s battle plan. What was the battle cry and how did God answer it? Are you facing an impossible challenge and feeling ill-equipped? Remember who you are following and do what He tells you to do.

25 / Sat – Unlikely heroes  |  Read Hebrews 11:1-2, 6, 32-34

God’s book is full of people we now call heroes of the faith. The list in this chapter is impressive but as you read each person’s story, you see they were ordinary people facing difficult circumstances. What made them different is not their faith in their own abilities. It was their faith in who they knew God to be. They did not know how their story would end, as you don’t know how your story will end, but they trusted the One who did. Will you?