Gideon - From Fear to VictoryНамуна

Day 2 – Obedience Builds the Altar

Scripture: Judges 6:25–27

Devotional:
Before Gideon could face the Midianites, he had to deal with the idols in his own family. God told him to tear down the altar to Baal and build an altar to the Lord. This would be a public declaration of Gideon’s commitment to God as well as a private act of obedience. It came at a cost. The bull he offered was valuable, the altar he destroyed belonged to his father, and the risk of angering his own people was very real.

God often calls us first to obedience at home. It can be easier to talk about fighting great battles out there, away from home and harder to confront what is false right here in our own household. Gideon obeyed, even though he did it at night out of fear. And that small step of obedience became the foundation for everything God would do through him. God knows that we are fearful and He is gracious with us when we struggle to have the courage to do things publicly. Gideon’s story should encourage us to know that He is pleased with our obedience even when we are reluctant and timid.

When we build our lives according to God’s instructions, we lay an altar that is rightly ordered. Our past mistakes, failures, and even the things the enemy tried to use against us can become fuel for the fire of sacrifice. Surrender is never without cost, but it always leads to God’s peace.

Reflection:
What old altars in my life is God asking me to tear down so He can be Lord in every area?

Prayer:
Father, help me to obey You fully, even when it costs me something dear. Give me the courage to respond to your leading no matter the outcome.