It is uncanny how enemies always seem to appear right after we make a decision to follow God’s leading! It could be that we made a resolve to change our eating habits, but then soon after we find ourselves staring at the one food item that causes us to stumble every time! Or we resolve to rise earlier to spend time with God, but then we proceed to have the worst night’s sleep we have had in years. Or, we resolve to give more of our funds to the Lord’s work, and then our car’s transmission breaks down. Or, we begin a new ministry in our church, and suddenly critics complain of the additional expense. You can count on it; if you proceed with God, fresh new challenges will soon be crossing the border into your life!
It was easy for Gideon to agree with God that he should be a deliverer, as long as the enemy was safely on the other side of the river! But when the enemy drew near, that was when Gideon’s faith was sorely put to the test. His faith would no longer be in theory, but in reality.
Have you faced any challenges since you committed to do what God asked of you? Did they catch you by surprise? It shouldn’t have! The forces of darkness stand perpetually opposed to anyone serving the Light. The only unknown is how you will respond.