Controlled by the Spirit

The Lord’s spirit took control of Gideon. (Judges 6:33a)

I just love the story of Gideon.

Here is the "mighty warrior" hiding in the winepress. There he is, begging God for reassurance that he has heard His call. And again, we see him jumping at the chance to go overheard the camp of the enemy when God gives him permission to do so "if you are afraid" (Jud. 7). I always get the impression that if he hadn't been the one calling out to the troops that they could leave if they were "shaking in their boots" that he would have been running away himself!

And yet - he was God's chosen vessel. His successes were tremendous and encourage us even today. Why? What is the key to Gideon's victory? I believe Judges 6:33 provides the answer: God's Spirit took control.

Gideon is a reminder that faith isn't about the lack of fear. It isn't about the right words or a prayer formula. It's about yielding to the control of the Spirit. Getting out of the way so He can get something done - that is real faith. It's pressing on, even when fear encroaches every side.

Paul exhorts us to be controlled by the Spirit as well. In Gal. 5 he calls it "walking in the Spirit." Ephesians references being "filled with the Spirit." Basically it all means the same thing - letting God's Spirit so control us that our flesh is suppressed and His fruit is revealed.

Whatever you are facing today in your ministry or walk with God, press on in faith. Don't worry about getting rid of the fear - just yield to His Spirit's control in the midst of it. As you move forward into that new land, studying that language, researching that people group, or just walking across the street to the neighbor's house, seek to be controlled by the Spirit.

And then watch what He does!