Living Water #684

LIVING WATER EPISODE 684 || 18TH APRIL, 2026

By Solomon Uwumbolibe Mensah

OBEDIENCE IN FEAR

Scripture: Judges 6:27–28
“So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the Lord told him. But because he was afraid of his family and the townspeople, he did it at night rather than in the daytime. In the morning when the people of the town got up, there was Baal’s altar, demolished, with the Asherah pole beside it cut down and the second bull sacrificed on the newly built altar!”

Gideon obeys God, but not without fear. He carries out God’s instruction, yet he chooses the cover of night because of his concern for his family and community. This passage is deeply honest about the human condition; faith and fear often exist side by side in the early stages of obedience. Yet, even in Gideon’s fear, God’s purpose is still fulfilled. This teaches us that God is able to work through imperfect courage and still bring about complete victory.

GOD USES PEOPLE WHO ARE STILL GROWING IN COURAGE
Gideon obeyed God, but he was still afraid. This shows that obedience does not always begin with bold confidence; sometimes it begins with trembling steps. God did not reject Gideon because of his fear; He still used him. This reminds us that God is patient with our growth. He does not wait for perfect courage before He calls us to act; instead, He meets us in our fear and still works through our obedience.

2: FEAR MAY SLOW OBEDIENCE, BUT IT SHOULD NOT STOP IT
Gideon chose to obey at night because of fear, showing that fear influenced the timing but did not cancel the instruction. This is an important lesson: fear may be present, but it must not be allowed to stop obedience altogether. Many people delay what God has told them to do because of fear of criticism, rejection, or misunderstanding. Gideon teaches us that even imperfect obedience is better than delayed disobedience.

3: OBEDIENCE TO GOD WILL ALWAYS PRODUCE A VISIBLE IMPACT
By morning, the entire town saw that Baal’s altar was destroyed, the Asherah pole cut down, and a new altar established. Even though Gideon acted in secret, the results became public. This shows that when we obey God, the impact of that obedience cannot remain hidden. What God does through our obedience will eventually become visible and undeniable, even if the process begins quietly or privately.

4: GOD PROTECTS THE PURPOSE EVEN WHEN WE FEEL WEAK
Gideon’s fear did not prevent God’s plan from succeeding. Despite his hesitation, the idols were still torn down and true worship was still established. This reveals that God’s purpose is not dependent on human perfection. Even when we feel weak, uncertain, or afraid, God’s hand ensures that His will is accomplished. Our weakness does not weaken His plan.

5: FAITH IS GROWTH, NOT INSTANT PERFECTION
Gideon’s journey shows that faith develops progressively. He starts with doubt, seeks confirmation, builds an altar, obeys at night, and later becomes a bold leader. This teaches us that spiritual maturity is a process. God is not only interested in the destination of our faith but also in the journey of its development. Every step of obedience, even when mixed with fear, is part of growing into stronger faith.

Gideon’s nighttime obedience reveals a powerful truth: God can still accomplish His will through imperfect courage. Even when fear is present, obedience moves forward, and God turns private obedience into public testimony. What matters most is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to obey despite it.

CALL TO ACTION:
Do not wait for perfect confidence before obeying God. Take the step He has instructed you to take, even if it feels small or fearful. Trust that God is able to work through your obedience and bring His purpose to completion.

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being patient with us even when we are afraid. Strengthen our hearts to obey You even in moments of fear. Help us to trust that Your purpose will stand, even through our weakness. Grow our faith step by step until we walk in full confidence in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.