Post by MIRIAM JACOB on Dec 29, 2007 10:07:52 GMT -5
ENCOURAGED BY YOUR CRITICS
And the Lord said to him, 'Surely I will be with you.'
Judges 6:16
For every battle God has a strategy. So don't just pray about the battle, ask God to show you the strategy for winning. The vision will always be greater than the person who's called to fulfill it. "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it" (Psalm 127:1). God knows the weight-load you can handle, the materials required and how it will all fit together in your life. Could it be He's already been speaking to you but you're afraid to act on it? The One who said to Gideon, "Surely I will be with you," is saying the same to you today.
"But people are criticising me!" you say. They criticised Gideon too. So God told him, "If you are afraid… go down to the camp… and listen to what they are saying… you will be encouraged" (Judges 7:10-11 NIV). God sent Gideon down to the enemy camp to hear what they were saying - to encourage him! When Gideon arrived he overheard a soldier telling a friend about a dream, "'A round loaf of barley bread came tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck the tent with such force that the tent… collapsed.' His friend responded, 'This can be nothing other than the sword of Gideon… God has given… the whole camp into his hands.' When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped God" (Judges 7:13-15 NIV).
When you need encouragement - listen to what your critics are saying! It's a class for your enrichment. You're making a difference, otherwise they wouldn't even notice you. Let their attack strengthen your faith and sharpen your focus. You must be doing something right to warrant this much attention!
(C) Bob Gass
The Vine/ The Word For Today
www.thevine.co.nz
www.thevine.co.nz/theword/archive
www.thevine.co.nz/theword/archive/2007/12/29
And the Lord said to him, 'Surely I will be with you.'
Judges 6:16
For every battle God has a strategy. So don't just pray about the battle, ask God to show you the strategy for winning. The vision will always be greater than the person who's called to fulfill it. "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it" (Psalm 127:1). God knows the weight-load you can handle, the materials required and how it will all fit together in your life. Could it be He's already been speaking to you but you're afraid to act on it? The One who said to Gideon, "Surely I will be with you," is saying the same to you today.
"But people are criticising me!" you say. They criticised Gideon too. So God told him, "If you are afraid… go down to the camp… and listen to what they are saying… you will be encouraged" (Judges 7:10-11 NIV). God sent Gideon down to the enemy camp to hear what they were saying - to encourage him! When Gideon arrived he overheard a soldier telling a friend about a dream, "'A round loaf of barley bread came tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck the tent with such force that the tent… collapsed.' His friend responded, 'This can be nothing other than the sword of Gideon… God has given… the whole camp into his hands.' When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped God" (Judges 7:13-15 NIV).
When you need encouragement - listen to what your critics are saying! It's a class for your enrichment. You're making a difference, otherwise they wouldn't even notice you. Let their attack strengthen your faith and sharpen your focus. You must be doing something right to warrant this much attention!
(C) Bob Gass
The Vine/ The Word For Today
www.thevine.co.nz
www.thevine.co.nz/theword/archive
www.thevine.co.nz/theword/archive/2007/12/29