“When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the Lord, he cried out, “Oh, Sovereign Lord, I’m doomed! I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face!” “It is all right,” the Lord replied. “Do not be afraid. You will not die.” Judges 6:22-23 NLT

Do not be afraid. Gideon believed he was doomed, for he had seen the Lord face to face. Gideon had been taught to fear God. Oftentimes, we are so afraid of the wrath of God, we run from a face to face encounters with Him. In true, relationship we encounter Him day by day, spirit to spirit without fear. We believe the only time He talks is to chasten us. Yet, even in His correction, it’s done in Love. Those whom He love He chastens. He wants us to dwell with Him, allowing Him to be our strength, our protection, our peace our all in all. When we trust Him, there is no fear. He’s saying, don’t be afraid, you will live and not die. Fear not, You will not go alone. I will never leave You nor forsake You. He equips us to be victorious over every enemy. He shows up and confirms, His word, His directives and His power to move in our lives. God told Gideon, it is alright, don’t panic. I showed up, to give you a strength, a hope and a confidence in Me. I gave You a face to face, so that no enemy can shake your confidence in Me. Arise Gideons, the Lord is with us and we win!