The world celebrates self-sufficiency and strength, but God often works through our weaknesses.

Just as Gideon defeated an army of 135,000 with only 300 men, trumpets, and torches, God delights in using the unexpected to accomplish His purposes. In this message we learned that God often strips away our self-reliance so we can experience His divine power. Where in our lives might we need to let go of our own "armies" and trust in God's power alone?

"The God who is with you is greater than the battles in front of you." - Judges 6:16

Like Gideon, many of us find ourselves threshing wheat in winepresses—hiding from our battles rather than facing them with faith. But God's promise remains unchanged: "I will be with you."

What battles are we facing today that seem too overwhelming? Remember that God doesn't promise we'll never face difficulties; He promises to be with us through them.

When we rely on God's presence for strength rather than focusing on our limitations, transformation begins. From scared Gideon to valiant warrior—that's the power of believing God is truly with us.

In Judges 4-5, we meet Deborah, Barak, and Jael - three individuals who didn't wish for different circumstances but faithfully served God in their current roles. The result? God worked through their faithfulness to bring victory and 40 years of peace to Israel.

Pastor Louis encouraged us to commit to faithfulness in the places God has planted us, not because our roles define us, but because we serve a faithful God who redeemed us through Christ.