A Call for Courage

1 of 2

http://intouch.org/resources/sermon-outlines/Content.aspx?topic=A_Call...

A Call for Courage

Dr. Charles Stanley

Print Page

Watch A Call for Courage video.

Scripture: Judges 6-7
I. Introduction: The Lord has a plan for our lives. He knows all the details of every situation, and is
committed to using each circumstance to glorify Himself and achieve His goals. His plan for us includes an
overall purpose as well as many smaller opportunities that guide us into His good and perfect will. Although
He knows exactly where Hes leading us, from our perspective, its an unknown path.
II. God is always willing to encourage us whenever were 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.
III. God calls those who Hes equipped for the task He has in mind. Even before the Lord reveals what
He wants us to do, Hes already prepared us for it. This principle is clearly displayed in Gideons life.
Because of Israels disobedience, the Lord had allowed them to be harassed by the Midianites, who
repeatedly overran their territory, destroying all the crops. Thats why Gideon was hiding in a wine press,
until 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.
IV. The Lord understands that we need courage. Although Gideon was promised victory, he wanted proof
that God was speaking to him. We should never refrain from asking God for clarification when were
uncertain if were hearing His voice rather than others opinions, or our own ideas. Once were sure, well
have the confidence to step out and do exactly what the Lord has told us.
V. 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 fathers idols and building an altar
to the Lord. Although 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 situation is crucial because God may be testing and
preparing us for bigger opportunities.
VI. Even those who are courageous desire added assurance of Gods 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, but we
have something Gideon didnt havethe Bible. We dont have to throw out fleeces to make sure we are
hearing from Him because we can trust His Word.
VII. Gods top priority is His glory. When we take credit for what He does in our lives, were exalting
ourselves instead of Him. Although Gideons army was vastly outnumbered, God told him they were too
numerous. To ensure that only He would get credit for the victory, God gave Gideon a battle strategy
involving just 300 men with torches, pitchers, and trumpets. When the Israelite army surrounded the enemy
camp at night and suddenly blew their trumpets and smashed the pitchers covering the torches, the Midianites
panicked and killed each other in their confusion.

10/18/2014 8:40 AM

A Call for Courage

2 of 2

http://intouch.org/resources/sermon-outlines/Content.aspx?topic=A_Call...

VIII. Through the story of Gideon, the Lord teaches us five lessons:
A. Dont underestimate what God can do in and through you. He can use anyone and anything to
accomplish His purposes. When we walk obediently with Him, His power and presence assure our victory.
B. God will always be with you in whatever Hes called you to do. You may feel helpless and
inadequate, but youre never alone because the Lord will never leave or forsake you (Heb. 13:5).
C. The Lord is ready to give you assurance when you doubt Him. Hell work in your situation in a
way that reinforces your trust in Him.
D. His ways are often surprising and challenging, but theyre always the best and the most
successful. The Lord may ask you to do something that seems totally unreasonable, but success is
guaranteed because God is the one who gave the assignment.
E. The Lord always works in a way that exalts and glorifies Him. If youre willing to die to yourself
and surrender to God, He will powerfully display Himself through you by accomplishing more in your life
than you ever expected.
IX. Conclusion: A courageous life begins with the Word of God and prayer. Thats where we hear His
instructions and receive the mind of Christ. However, if we shut our Bibles, were also closing our minds to
His encouraging words. God wants to work in and through us if well just cleanse our hearts, surrender our
lives, and walk obediently with Him in confident trust.

10/18/2014 8:40 AM