Trusting God’s Power, Not Our Own

April 2, 2025
Daily Devotion & Scripture Insights

Morning: Judges 8-9
Luke: 8:22-56

After Gideon’s great victory over the Midianites, his story takes a disappointing turn. Though he refused to be made king, his actions contradicted his words—he gathered wealth, took many wives, and made an ephod that led Israel into idolatry (Judges 8:22-27). His son Abimelech, influenced by this legacy, ruthlessly seized power and brought destruction upon himself and others (Judges 9:1-57).

In contrast, Luke 8:22-56 reveals the power of Jesus. He calms the storm, casts out demons, heals the sick, and raises the dead. Where Gideon and Abimelech trusted in their strength, Jesus showed that true power comes from God alone. When we rely on ourselves, we fall into pride, fear, and destruction, but when we trust in God’s power, we find peace, healing, and life.

Key Insights

  1. Self-Reliance Leads to Spiritual Danger – Gideon’s compromise and Abimelech’s ambition led to disaster, showing that relying on human power rather than God results in failure (Judges 8:27; 9:56-57).
  2. God’s Power Brings Peace in Life’s Storms – Jesus calmed the sea, proving that His presence is greater than any trial we face (Luke 8:24-25).
  3. Faith Unlocks God’s Miraculous Work – The woman with the issue of blood and Jairus both believed in Jesus’ power, and their faith led to healing and restoration (Luke 8:48, 50).
  4. Pride and Greed Destroy, but Humility and Trust Save – Gideon’s pride in his later years and Abimelech’s thirst for power caused destruction, while those who humbly sought Jesus found life.
  5. God is the True King – When we forget that God is our ruler, we fall into chaos, but when we acknowledge His authority, we experience His peace and power.

Connection to Other Scripture

  • Proverbs 16:18 (KJV): “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” – Abimelech’s pride led to his downfall.
  • Isaiah 41:10 (KJV): “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee.” – Jesus’ power over the storm reminds us that God is always with us.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV): “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” – We don’t need to rely on ourselves; God’s power sustains us.

Questions to Reflect On

  1. In what areas of my life am I relying on my strength rather than trusting in God?
  2. How do I respond when faced with storms in life—do I panic, or do I trust that Jesus is in control?
  3. Are there any subtle compromises in my life, like Gideon’s ephod, that might lead me or others away from God?
  4. How can I grow in faith so that I trust in Jesus’ power like the woman with the issue of blood?
  5. What steps can I take to acknowledge God as the true King over my life?

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I have relied on my own strength instead of trusting in You. Help me to walk in faith, knowing that You are greater than any challenge I face. Keep me from pride and selfish ambition, and teach me to surrender to Your will. May I always look to Jesus, the true source of peace, healing, and power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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