Dear Parents,

Judges 6 starts out in a familiar way: “The Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the Lord.” The period of Judges was not a good time for the Israelites. Their cycle of sin, bondage, deliverance, and peace clearly showed they had not learned from their past mistakes.

The Israelites were oppressed by the Midianites, and they cried out to God for help. God chose a man to save them, and his name was Gideon. Gideon was an unlikely leader, and he knew this. Gideon said, “Please, Lord, how can I deliver Israel? Look, my family is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house” (Judg. 6:15).

God doesn’t need the biggest and the best to accomplish His plan. In fact, He often uses the weakest and least of people to fulfill His plans because that is what gives Him the most glory. God had a plan to empower Gideon in his weakness: “But I will be with you,” He said. (Judg. 6:16).

Gideon and an army of men assembled. God told Gideon he had too many men. God didn’t want the men to think they had the power to defeat the Midianites themselves. When the army was reduced to just 300 men, they prepared for battle. (See Judg. 7:1-7.)

The men ran toward the Midianites’ camp, blowing their trumpets and shouting. God turned the swords of the Midianites against each other. They ran away, but Gideon and his army chased after them and killed them.

God was with the Israelites when they went to battle. The Israelites did not win the battle themselves; God fought for them. As you teach your kids this week, point out that God used Gideon in the victory. Gideon alone was not enough to save the Israelites. Only God could win the battle. In the same way, we are unable to save ourselves from sin. Jesus came to save us from our sin because He is enough. Only God, through Christ, can save us.

God Bless, 

David Feiser
Family Ministry Pastor
The Well Community Church 

Family Starting Points

August 11, 2019

Scripture Memory: 2 Corinthians 5:17

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old is gone, and the new has come.”

Big Picture Question: 

Whom does God use in His plan? God uses people in His plan.

Bible Story: Gideon (Judges 6-8)

• God called Gideon as a judge to deliver Israel from the Midianites.
• Gideon used a fleece as a sign from God that He would be with him.
• God told Gideon that he had too many men and reduced his army to 300 men.
• God gave the Israelites victory.

Family Discussion Starters: 

• How did you think the 300 men felt going into battle?
• What makes you afraid? Why? Ask God to help you remember He is with you.

Family Activity:

• Research various phobias and what the Bible says about fear. Read 2 Timothy 1:7.
• Go further: Overcome a common fear by telling someone about Jesus or inviting him to church with you.