We All Need Our Purahs
I was reading about Gideon, and loved this revelation of God's view on the importance of friendships. It spoke to me, and I pray that it speaks to you. It just reminds me that in every area of our lives, the right relationships are key to accomplishing the assignments God has given each of us.
Check out God's Word in reply to Gideon, when he is feeling insecure about God's assignment..
"If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp" (Judg 7:11).
The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, and for seven years He gave them into the hands of the Midianites. Because the power of Midian was so oppressive, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in mountain clefts, caves and strongholds. God heard their prayers and decided to deliver them from their oppression through an unknown farmer named Gideon. God came to Gideon through an angel and addressed him, "Mighty Warrior" which was quite a stretch of characterization from Gideon's perspective.
All of us can relate to Gideon. He is very insecure about this assignment from God, especially after God reduces his troop size from 22,000 to 300, to insure that Gideon knew where the victory was coming from.
Now Gideon was still not convinced about this battle, so God did two more things to help ease Gideon's anxiety. He told him to go into the camp during the night to eavesdrop on their soldiers. God tells Gideon that what he will hear will encourage him. Gideon is terrified by the whole idea. So, God takes another step in order to use Gideon for His purposes. He sends a trusted friend and soldier named Purah with him.
God knew that Purah was the person Gideon could confide in, probably one of the ten that had helped him to break down the altar of Baal. He must take him and no one else with him. Purah would be a witness of what Gideon would hear the Midianites say and then provide the needed faith to enter the battle. He would also be a witness to what they hear and reported to the troops. Gideon went on and won the battle.
We all need "Purahs" in our lives.
Think about that person, who speaks life, wisdom and will go with you as you prepare for the assignment God has given you. They are the best person to have in your life and are willing to go with you when God says it's time to fight. Purah's are aware of God's agenda, and do not try to incorporate their own agenda into His plans. We need people who are willing to take risks and who can be used by God to bring our faith up to a level of being able to do extraordinary things in His Kingdom. Has God called you to a daunting assignment? Pay attention to the Purah's in your life. They are in your life to encourage you.
Stay away from counterfeit Purah's that use their faith to tear down or condone your staying in the comfort zone. Anyone who tears down and does not build up, needs to no longer be in your presence. Move them out of your camp quickly so that they do not become an emotional hindrance to you.
God Bless the Purah's in our lives, I don't have many, and I don't need many, but the ones I do have.. to ever think that I can accomplish great things for the cause of Christ without them is just a foolish way to think.
