When God Speaks Courage into Fear | Judges 7:9–11

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Our text today is Judges 7:9-11.

That same night the LORD said to him, “Arise, go down against the camp, for I have given it into your hand. But if you are afraid to go down, go down to the camp with Purah your servant. And you shall hear what they say, and afterward your hands shall be strengthened to go down against the camp.” Then he went down with Purah his servant to the outposts of the armed men who were in the camp. — Judges 7:9-11

It’s the night before the battle. Gideon’s 300 face an enemy described in verse 12 as “like locusts in mass.” The tension is thick. Fear is natural. And God knows it.

So He meets Gideon where he is — not with a lecture, but with reassurance: “I have given it into your hand.” Notice the tense. It’s already done in God’s mind. The victory is certain. But God also gives Gideon a “fear option.” If he’s afraid, he can take Purah and go listen to what’s happening in the enemy camp.

This is grace in action. God doesn’t shame Gideon for being afraid; He gives him a path to courage. He knows the gap between what Gideon believes and what Gideon feels — and He steps into it.

God isn’t surprised by your fear. He knows it. He expects it. He plans for it.

We often think fear disqualifies us from God’s mission. But here, God acknowledges it and provides the very thing to strengthen Gideon’s hands. That’s how God works — He meets you in the gap between what you believe about him and how you live it out.

In your everyday life, that gap might be the moment before a hard conversation, a big career risk, a step of faith in generosity, or sharing your testimony. You believe God is faithful, but fear whispers, “What if you fail?”

God steps into that space with promises and proof. Sometimes it’s a Scripture that lands in your heart at the right moment. Sometimes it’s the timely encouragement of a friend. Sometimes it’s a clear sign of his hand already at work.

Faith isn’t the absence of fear — it’s moving forward in faith, trusting the One who speaks into your fear. So confess those fears. Then ask God to speak into those fears as you take that step of faith.

ASK THIS:

Where has fear been holding you back from obeying God?
How has God already given you assurance in that area?
Who has been your “Purah” — someone who walks with you toward courage?
What step could you take today to move forward in faith despite fear?
DO THIS:
Identify one place where fear has stalled your obedience. Ask God to speak into it today, and take one small, concrete step forward.

PRAY THIS:
Lord, thank You for meeting me in my fear. Speak courage into my heart today so I can step forward in faith, trusting You with the outcome. Amen.

PLAY THIS:
"You've Already Won."