Tear Down to Build
Sometimes Before God Builds Something New, He Has to Tear Something Down!
Have you ever thought about how God sometimes asks us to deal with what's wrong in our own lives before He uses us to make a difference in the lives of others?
In Judges 6, God called Gideon to deliver Israel from the Midianites. But before Gideon could lead an army into battle, God gave him a different assignment. He told him to tear down his father's altar to Baal, cut down the Asherah pole beside it, and build an altar to the Lord.
Think about that! Before Gideon could confront the enemy around him, he had to confront the false worship taking place right in his own backyard.
And Gideon was afraid! In fact, Scripture tells us he obeyed God at night because he was afraid of his family and the people in town. But here's what I love about Gideon — he was afraid, but he obeyed anyway!
Sometimes we think courage means we aren't afraid. But real courage is trusting God enough to do what He asks, even when we're afraid.
And maybe that's where some of us are today. We want God to do something great in our lives, but there are things we've allowed to take His place. It might be pride, bitterness, an unhealthy relationship, a habit, or simply trying to control everything ourselves.
Here's a thought worth considering: What altar in your life needs to come down so that God can have His rightful place?
Gideon discovered that following God begins with surrender. Before there was a victory on the battlefield, there was obedience in his own backyard.
Don't underestimate what God can do through one simple act of obedience. You don't have to have everything figured out. You just have to be willing to trust Him and take the next step.
❤️ We'd love for you and your family to join us at New Hope Baptist Church in Tunnel Hill this Sunday at 11:00 AM! Come as you are, worship with us, and be encouraged by God's Word.
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