BE COURAGEOUS
By Bishop Mike Okonkwo
Saturday 23rd August 2025
“And it came to pass the same night that the Lord said unto him, Arise, get thee down unto the host; for I have delivered it into thine hand.” – Judges 7:9 (KJV)
In Judges 7, Gideon began with an army of thirty-two thousand men. But God pruned that number drastically, to prove that victory does not come by human strength. In verse 3, Gideon announced God’s instruction: “Whoever is fearful and afraid, let him return home.” And twenty-two thousand men walked away, leaving only ten thousand behind. Eventually, God reduced the number again to just 300 men.
Beloved, the enemy still uses the same weapon today – fear. He introduces it through what we see and what we hear. That is why God gave us a “Fear not” for each day of the year. 365 reminders that no matter what confronts us, He is with us.
Victory in life’s battles begins with this confidence: God is with you, and the battle is already won in Christ. His Word declares: “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:4).
Child of God, you are not ordinary. You carry something the world cannot understand – the life of God inside you. That is your advantage. And just like Gideon’s 300, you must be willing to confront your confrontations and challenge your challenges. Their secret was courage, and that must be your posture too.
Stop focusing on what you see, because what you see is temporary; it will soon change. Fix your eyes on the eternal Word of God. Be courageous, the victory is already yours!
Further Reading: Judges 7:1-25