Gideon - Getting Rid Of Fear

2 Tim. 1:7 says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." God does not want us to live by fear. He wants all fear to be gone from our lives. Fear is one of the greatest hindrances we face that tries to stop us from moving out into what God wants for our lives. Fear cripples our faith and causes us to hide from the enemy, and from God's call on our lives. One example in the Bible of a person who was filled with fear is Gideon. We find Gideon in the winepress threshing out wheat. He was in the winepress to hide from the Midianites and all the enemies that came into the land to take away their produce. The angel of the Lord said to him, "The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor" Jud. 6:12. Gideon felt anything but a mighty man of valor. But God calls us as He sees us, and He sees us with all the potential He has given us. He sees us as mighty men and women of God who can do anything we are called to do. But Gideon is full of doubt and fear, and it takes many assurances from God before Gideon is ready to step out in faith. Gideon offers a sacrifice, which the angel consumed with fire. Then Gideon puts out a fleece, not once, but twice, to gain assurance that this was really God. Gideon's army is reduced to 300 men who had no fear, and who were ready for battle. Then God lets him overhear the dream of the enemy to once again assure Gideon that God was with him. And finally, with 300 men bearing torches, and empty pitchers, and trumpets, God gives the victory to Israel through Gideon's army. Gideon was transformed from a hiding fearful man, to a mighty leader of Israel, and is included in the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11:32. What mighty works can be done through faith! Fear is an enemy that cripples faith! Each day, let us be transformed by the renewing of our mind, to overcome fear, and to walk in the faith of God. Feed your faith, and starve your doubts to death. Rise up and say, "Spirit of fear, be gone from my life. I have a spirit of power, and love, and a sound mind."