Goodbyes are just going to be a BIG part of our lives. So I’m thankful that as we experience them, I can rest and find grace in the God of Gideon. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see. For by it the people of old received God’s commendation. By faith we understand that the worlds were set in order at God’s command, so that the visible has its origin in the invisible. And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon … (who) became mighty in battle, put foreign armies to flight … to obtain resurrection to a better life.
All these were commended for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised. For God had provided something better for us, so that they would be made perfect together with us.”

Just as Gideon’s story isn’t really about him, neither is ours in this fostering journey about us. Whenever there is a need for strength … then there will always be a bigger picture than what we can see with our eyes. Because only in the power of the blood of the Lamb is their wonder-working joy and abiding peace. All during this study of Gideon, I have heard these words ringing in my ears and deep in my heart … We can only know the power that He holds when we truly see how deep our weakness goes. His strength in us begins where ours comes to an end. He hears our humble cry and proves over and over again that His strength is perfect! His strength really is perfect when our strength is gone. He really does carry us when we can’t carry on.

Whoever speaks, let it be with God’s words. Whoever serves, do so with the strength that God supplies, so that in everything God will be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen (1 Pet 4:11)