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The children of Israel did that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight; and Yahweh delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years. The hand of Midian prevailed against Israel; and because of Midian the children of Israel made themselves the dens which are in the mountains, and the caves, and the strongholds.
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Today’s message
Between the dens and the winepress, the Bible shows two ways to react. Many dug hideouts in the mountains; Gideon, alone, went down to the winepress and threshed wheat there. It's our way when fear rules: sleeping with the light on, avoiding the conversation that needs to happen, calling everything a 'phase' and retreating. The Spirit calls you to the other side: positioning. It's not bravado; it's a simple and firm step. Do something in God for your home, even if it seems improvised like wheat in the winepress. God meets those who are positioned.
Judges narrates a cycle: the people sowed, the Midianites came like a swarm and took everything; then Israel dug caves. The crisis shrank dreams and geography. The text reveals the root: they turned away from Yahweh and only cried out when they became very poor. Don't wait for the milk to spill to seek God. God is not the last option; He is the first. Amid social, emotional, and political causes, there is also spiritual battle. Discernment is key: neither deny nor exaggerate. The church's path is one — to be in Christ and cry out before the worst.
Three aspects of spiritual battle
- Do not underestimate the enemy — he persuades, attacks, and is not weak for those who let their guard down.
- Do not ignore the spiritual battle — the Christian life is a fight; we need to recognize and face it.
- Do not overestimate the battle — not everything is a demon; there are natural, social, and emotional issues.
Position yourself, for the battle is mine.
God did not go to the caves; He spoke to those who positioned themselves. In the winepress, Gideon did what he could while waiting for heaven's move. Waiting on God is not a hammock and juice; it's walking while waiting. When we position ourselves, God confirms: His presence clothes us, and the cause changes ownership. Like a well-regulated air conditioner, you do not absorb the room's temperature; you define it. Arrive, establish peace, truth, and order. In Christ, authority is not shouting; it's a place: seated with Him in the heavenly places.
Three attitudes in positioning
- Courage to face fear — address hidden issues and face what paralyzes the home.
- Discipline to remain firm — prayer, Word, fasting, and a sustainable spiritual routine.
- Determination to move forward — restart today, without waiting for the pandemic or crisis to pass.
Positioning requires saying no and yes in the right measure: fasting when everyone eats, refusing toxic conversations, starting the missing dialogue. Cry out before the worst, establish peace where you step, and restart now. When you position yourself in Christ, the battle is no longer yours. It was like this with Gideon: few, but aligned, saw the enemy flee. The Lord is with you; and in Christ, we have already been blessed in the heavenly places. Do what you can today — God will do what only He can. Be the change in your home and at work.
Did you know
- In the period of the judges, the Bible repeats: there was no king in Israel; everyone did what seemed right in their own eyes.
- Gideon started with 32,000, saw 22,000 return out of fear, was left with 10,000, and after the water test, only 300.
- The Midianites used camels and advanced in bands, making the raids quick and devastating in Israel.
Key phrases
- God is not the last option, God is the first option.
- Position yourself today in the name of Jesus.
- The Holy Spirit's command is: position yourself in Christ.
- You will not wait for the worst to happen to cry out to God.
Translated from the Portuguese original.
Seek
To seek today
Go deeper
Go deeper
Pr. Nei Messias | Positioned in Christ
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