31May2026 Sermon Recap

This Sunday, Brother Eli Duarte shared a powerful message from the life of Gideon found in the Book of Judges. Through Gideon’s story, we were reminded that God often calls ordinary people in the middle of their fear, doubt, and weakness to accomplish extraordinary things for His kingdom.

When God Finds Us in Our Fear

When we first meet Gideon, he is not standing boldly before an army. He is hiding, threshing wheat in secret to avoid the Midianites. Fear had become a way of life for Israel, and Gideon was no exception. Yet it was in that place of fear that God met him. The Angel of the Lord appeared and called Gideon a “mighty warrior” long before Gideon saw himself that way. God did not define Gideon by his circumstances, his insecurities, or his failures. God defined him by who He created him to be. Many of us can relate to Gideon. We see our limitations while God sees our potential. We focus on our weaknesses while God focuses on His power working through us. Brother Eli reminded us that God still speaks identity over His children today. No matter how fearful or inadequate we may feel, God has not forgotten us. He is still calling us to walk in faith and trust Him.

Moving Beyond Doubt

Gideon’s response to God’s call was honest. He questioned why hardship had come upon Israel and wondered where God’s miracles had gone. How often do we ask similar questions? Why is this happening? Where is God in this situation? Has He forgotten me? The message reminded us that God is never absent. Even when we cannot see Him working, He is building, preparing, and growing His people. God reassured Gideon with a simple promise: “I will be with you.” That same promise remains true for believers today. Faith is not the absence of questions. Faith is choosing to trust God even when we do not have all the answers.

Building an Altar to the Lord

After receiving confirmation from God through a miraculous sign, Gideon built an altar and called it “The Lord Is Peace.” Brother Eli challenged the congregation to build an altar to God in our own lives—not necessarily a physical altar, but a place of worship, surrender, and relationship with Him. In a world filled with distractions, fear, and uncertainty, we must intentionally create space to meet with God. Prayer. Worship. Time in His Word. Repentance. These are the places where God strengthens our faith and reminds us of His presence.

Obedience in the Face of Fear

One of the most powerful moments in Gideon’s story comes when God instructs him to tear down his father’s altar to Baal and destroy the Asherah pole. Although Gideon was afraid, he obeyed. He carried out God’s command at night because of his fear of the people around him, but he still did what God asked. Brother Eli emphasized an important truth: courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is choosing obedience despite fear. God is often asking us to remove idols from our own lives—anything that takes His rightful place in our hearts. It may not be a physical altar, but it could be pride, worry, unforgiveness, comfort, or self-reliance. True repentance requires us to tear down whatever competes with our devotion to God.

Unity Brings Victory

As the Midianite army gathered against Israel, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon. He sounded the trumpet and called God’s people together. Men from multiple tribes responded and united behind God’s call. Later, God would reduce Gideon’s army from thousands to only 300 men so that no one could claim victory by their own strength. The victory would belong entirely to the Lord. Brother Eli reminded us that God’s power is not dependent on numbers, resources, or human ability. It is dependent on His presence. The same principle applies to the Church today. When God’s people walk in unity, trust His direction, and rely on His strength, He accomplishes what seems impossible.

A God of Mercy and Grace

Even in the difficult and often dark stories found in the Book of Judges, God’s mercy shines through. Throughout Gideon’s failures, questions, and fears, God remained faithful. The message pointed us to the ultimate display of God’s mercy—Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, we have access to God’s grace and can boldly approach His throne for mercy and help in our time of need.

A Challenge for the Week

Brother Eli closed with a call to worship, repentance, faith, and unity. What fears are holding you back from fully trusting God? What idols need to be torn down in your life? Where is God calling you to step forward in faith? Like Gideon, we may not feel qualified or strong enough. But God has never needed perfect people. He simply asks for willing hearts. As we move through this week, may we choose faith over fear, worship over worry, and unity over division. May we trust that the same God who empowered Gideon is still working in and through His people today. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” — 2 Timothy 1:7

How can we pray for you so that you grow towards your full potential? Feel free to message us and we will pray for you.