SCRIPTURE:
“If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp.”
Judges 7:10–12
OBSERVATION:
The Midianites and Amalekites filled the valley—thick as locusts.
The enemy looked overwhelming.
God did not scold Gideon for being afraid.
Gideon’s fear did not disqualify him.
God simply named it:
“If you are afraid…”
And then—this is key—God provided a way forward without shame.
Gideon didn’t argue.
He didn’t pretend to be fearless.
He obeyed God’s invitation to listen.
And Scripture says that afterward, he would be encouraged.
Obedience in fear positioned him to receive courage.
Palm Sunday reminds us of another moment like this.
Jesus rode into Jerusalem knowing what awaited Him.
He was not unaware of the cross.
Yet He moved forward in obedience—quietly, humbly, courageously.
God’s courage often comes after we take the step, not before.
APPLICATION:
When I am afraid, the Lord already knows—and He will encourage me.
He does not push me forward harshly or demand instant courage.
Instead, He meets me in my fear and gives me what I need to take the next step.
I don’t have to wait until fear is gone to obey.
Sometimes obedience while afraid is exactly how encouragement comes.
God doesn’t always remove the intimidating valley first—
sometimes He strengthens my heart before the battle,
by letting me hear His reassurance in unexpected ways.
I remember when I first began speaking at New Hope, I struggled with stage fright.
My husband Richard told me to simply say the name “Jesus” when I was afraid.
And just saying Jesus would calm my heart.
PRAYER:
Lord,
Thank You that You see my fear and do not shame me for it.
Help me listen when You invite me closer instead of pulling back.
Give me the courage that comes from trusting You, not from pretending I’m brave.
Encourage my heart so I can move forward in obedience,
even when the enemy looks overwhelming.
Amen.
