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Sunday 15 June 2003 - "Despair to Hope" - Engagement of Agrippa & Hlengiwe

(Summary of sermon by Friedel Stegen)

Judges 6:1-3, 6,11-12 - Read text here

If we have lost something in our spiritual life don’t do what Israel did in this portion of scripture. When things go wrong, when you are not in the fullness of the Spirit, when you worship other gods like the god of anger, gossip or the world, what do you do then?  If we are attracted by the things of the world and they are more important than the Lord Jesus, then they have become an idol. Then the Midianites have started to invade and "encamp against us". When circumstances are difficult and we do not know where to turn, it is then that we should turn to God and not do what the Israelites did. They built their own shelters and hid in dens, and suffered terrible consequences for it.

Often we experiences difficulties but we don’t go to the Lord Jesus for help. We try to find psychological ways to deal with the problem. We look for arguments of self-help instead of coming to the Lord Jesus Himself.

The power of the Midianites was very oppressive. Israel couldn’t stand up to them. Instead they fled and tried to hide away and build shelters for themselves. They were afraid of the enemy. They tried to find a place where they could feel cozy and protected.

Has it happened to you that no matter what you do, no matter what seed you plant, the enemy comes in and robs you and you reap nothing? The enemy robbed Israel of everything. The Midianites ravaged the land. They destroyed all Israel's crops, and their livestock. Is it like that in your life? Do you not have any power any more over your thought life and no power over sin?

But the Angel of the Lord was watching. He watched a young man, Gideon, threshing wheat in a wine press. God had entrusted him with wheat to look after. He had to guard over it so that it didn’t fall into the hands of the enemy. He then commanded Gideon to go in the strength that he had. He told Gideon that He would be with him. If the Angel of the Lord is with you, you can have fearless courage and be a mighty warrior for Him. With the Lord Jesus, Gideon could go and save Israel from the Midianites.

Child of God, admit that you have lost strength. Will you despair and hide or will you receive new hope, and say 'Lord Jesus I need you in a new way'? Cry to the Lord and become a mighty warrior for Him!