June 14-15, 2025
Pastor Larry Hasmatali
From Hiding to Hero: God's View of You
Judges 6 & 7
"The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." - Judges 6:11-12
"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things and the things that are not to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him." - 1 Corinthians 1:27-29
Three things to ponder:
1. God shows up in our lowest moments.
2. God sees what we overlook in ourselves and others.
3. God uses the few to do the impossible.
Bible Study Questions & Applications
Bible Study Questions
1. How does God meet Gideon in his fear, and what does this reveal about God's character?
Application: When we are overwhelmed or discouraged, instead of running from God, we can run to Him. Reflect on a personal 'winepress moment' where God showed up unexpectedly. How might you begin seeing yourself the way God sees you?
2. Why do we often disqualify ourselves when God calls us, and how does God respond to our excuses?
Application: Make a list of reasons you've told God 'I can't' and beside each, write 'God is with me.' Pray that God would replace insecurity with trust in His presence. Then share one area where you need to step forward in obedience.
3. What does God's battle plan in Judges 7 teach us about strength, success, and trust?
Application: Identify something in your life that feels too small or insufficient - a skill, a resource, or an opportunity. Ask God to use it for His glory. Remember, God often uses the little we have when we give it fully to Him.
4. What altars might God be asking you to tear down before stepping into your calling?
Application: Reflect on patterns, habits, or generational behaviors that may be limiting your spiritual growth. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you name and tear down any 'altars' that compete with God's place in your life.
1. How does God meet Gideon in his fear, and what does this reveal about God's character?
Application: When we are overwhelmed or discouraged, instead of running from God, we can run to Him. Reflect on a personal 'winepress moment' where God showed up unexpectedly. How might you begin seeing yourself the way God sees you?
2. Why do we often disqualify ourselves when God calls us, and how does God respond to our excuses?
Application: Make a list of reasons you've told God 'I can't' and beside each, write 'God is with me.' Pray that God would replace insecurity with trust in His presence. Then share one area where you need to step forward in obedience.
3. What does God's battle plan in Judges 7 teach us about strength, success, and trust?
Application: Identify something in your life that feels too small or insufficient - a skill, a resource, or an opportunity. Ask God to use it for His glory. Remember, God often uses the little we have when we give it fully to Him.
4. What altars might God be asking you to tear down before stepping into your calling?
Application: Reflect on patterns, habits, or generational behaviors that may be limiting your spiritual growth. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you name and tear down any 'altars' that compete with God's place in your life.