Judges 5-8 God is gracious to show us through the story of Gideon that we face two enemies: fear and pride. [Prov. 29:25]. In the story of Gideon, we see how Gideon’s fear of enemies led him to compromise and drew him away from giving God the glory. Yet, God was gracious and told him to sneak into the enemy’s camp, where he heard: The Sword of the Lord and Gideon. Still, after the battle, instead of reminding the other tribes that God was the Victor, he collects gold to make an ephod which became a snare to the nation and his family.

Sin is ugly! Pride is ugly! 

Do we forget this part of the story and only tell of the victory? There is a lesson here for us and our children. When God is gracious to lead us to victory, don’t take that glory to ourselves. God is jealous, and He will not share His glory with another. [Is. 42:8]

We must determine to finish strong and give God the glory. He who humbles himself, God will exalt, [Luke 14:11] and the contrast is also true.