The document is a sermon about the biblical story of Gideon and the Midianites from Judges 6-7. It discusses how God encouraged, equipped, understood, planned for, and assured Gideon as he faced the challenge of defeating the Midianites. The sermon notes how God strategized in a way that allowed Him alone to receive glory for the victory. It concludes with five principles of courage drawn from Gideon's example.

1. the mental or moral strength to venture,
persevere and withstand danger, fear or
difficulty
(Merriam-Webster Dictionary)
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2. Judges 6-7
[Gideon and the Midianites]
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3. GOD ENCOURAGES
(6:12)
God is always willing to encourage us
whenever we’re afraid, uncertain, or
overwhelmed by opposition
Gideon was an Israelite who faced all these
challenges, yet the Lord faithfully helped him
every step of the way
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4. GOD EQUIPS (6:14)
 God calls those who He’s equipped for the task
He has in mind
 Even before the Lord reveals what He wants us to
do, He’s already prepared us for it
 Because of Israel’s disobedience, the Lord had
allowed them to be harassed by the Midianites,
who repeatedly overran their territory, destroying
all the crops
 The angel of the Lord appeared to him, saying,
“The Lord is with you, O valiant warrior” (Judges
6:12). God knew the bigger plan of what He was
going to do through Gideon.
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5. GOD UNDERSTANDS (6:13, 15-24)
The Lord understands that we need courage
Although Gideon was promised victory, he
wanted proof that God was speaking to him
Never refrain from asking God for clarification
when we’re uncertain if we’re hearing His voice
rather than others’ opinions, or our own ideas
Once we’re sure, we’ll have the confidence to step
out and do exactly what the Lord has told us
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6. GOD PLANS (6:25-28)
 The Lord uses lesser challenges to prepare us for
greater ones
 Before giving Gideon the biggest assignment of his
life, God gave him the smaller task of tearing down
his father’s idols and building an altar to the Lord
 This was a dangerous act, which would anger the
men of the city, Gideon passed the test and obeyed
the Lord
 Faithful obedience in every small situation is crucial
because God may be testing and preparing us for
bigger opportunities
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7. GOD ASSURES (6:36-40)
Even those who are courageous desire added
assurance of God’s presence
The Lord knows our weaknesses and is faithful
to provide whatever is necessary for our
successful obedience
Before Gideon delivered Israel from the
Midianites, he requested a sign from God. The
Lord understands our doubts
We don’t have to throw out fleeces to make sure
we are hearing from Him because we can trust
His Word.
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8. GOD’S STRATEGIZES… IT IS
ALIGNED TO HIS GLORY (Ch 7)
God’s top priority is His glory
God gave Gideon a battle strategy involving just
300 men with torches, pitchers, and trumpets
The battle belongs to the lord! The
glory is god’s
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9. 5 PRINCIPLES OF COURAGE
Don’t underestimate what God can do in and
through you
God will always be with you in whatever He’s
called you to do
The Lord is ready to give you assurance when
you doubt Him
His ways are often surprising and challenging,
but they’re always the best and the most
successful
The Lord always works in a way that exalts and
glorifies Him
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Black Forest Chapel
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