By: Sister Tarpley, NDG Religion Editor
“If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp” (Judge 7:11).
The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, and for seven years He gave them into the hands of the Midianites. Because the power of Midian was so oppressive, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in mountain clefts, caves and strongholds.
God heard their prayers and decided to deliver them from their oppression through an unknown farmer named Gideon. God came to Gideon through an angel and addressed him, “Mighty Warrior” which was quite a stretch of characterization from Gideon’s perspective.
All of us can relate to Gideon. He is very insecure about this assignment from God, especially after God reduces his troop size from 22,000 to 300, to insure that Gideon knew where the victory was coming from.
Now Gideon was still not convinced about this battle, so God did two more things to help ease Gideon’s anxiety.
He told him to go into the camp during the night to eavesdrop on their soldiers. God tells Gideon that what he will hear will encourage him.
Gideon is terrified by the whole idea. So, God takes another step in order to use Gideon for His purposes. He sends a trusted friend and soldier named Purah with him.
God knew that Purah was the person Gideon could confide in, probably one of the ten that had helped him to break down the altar of Baal. He must take him and no one else with him.
Purah would be a witness of what Gideon would hear the Midianites say and then provide the needed faith to enter the battle.
He would also be a witness to what they hear and reported to the troops. Gideon went on and won the battle.
We all need someone we trust in our lives. We need people who are willing to take risks and who can be used by God to bring our faith up to a level of being able to do extraordinary things in His Kingdom.
Has God called you to a daunting assignment? Perhaps He has also placed a “Purah” in your life to encourage you.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).
Though man-made shelter may fall in the storms and fury of nature and war, nothing can destroy the strong and everlasting shelter that you can have in the shadow of the all powerful, Almighty God.
Thank God for keeping your soul and calming your spirit. Pray for those who are being affected by tornadoes, cyclones, and other storms of nature.
Ask God to protect them, provide their needs and to comfort those who have lost their shelter and possessions in storms that have passed through.
May every need be met through God’s grace, mercy, and the assistance of the church, volunteers, and government aid where appropriate. Pray in the name of precious Jesus.
