Sometimes we feel like hiding is the right thing to do. Many of us have experienced times when we wanted to withdraw from friends, family, and everyday activities. When everything seems to be going wrong, we might think hiding is our best option.

 

 

But there's an important truth we need to understand: the only good hiding place is in the Lord Jesus Christ. You can't hide from problems, people, or struggles—they'll still be there when you emerge. But you can hide in Jesus Christ, even in your moments of weakness.

 

Where Do We Hide When Life Gets Hard?

 

We all have different hiding places. For men, it might be the garage—a cave where they can fix things that don't really need fixing. For others, it might be work—burying ourselves in our jobs to avoid difficult areas of life.

 

 

These hiding places might provide temporary relief, but they don't solve our problems. In fact, they often create new ones. When we hide in God, however, we come out stronger, not weaker.

 

How Does God Respond When We're Hiding?

 

In Judges 6, we find Gideon hiding in a winepress, threshing wheat to keep it from the Midianites. The Israelites were surrounded by enemies who would let them plant and harvest crops, only to swoop in and steal everything, leaving them barely enough to survive on.

 

 

What's remarkable is that God didn't wait for Gideon to come to his senses. Instead, He walked toward the mess. The angel of the Lord found Gideon in his hiding place and called him a "mighty warrior"—even though Gideon was demonstrating nothing but weakness at that moment.

 

 

God sees what we can be when we connect with Him. It's never about what we can be alone; it's about what we can become when we find our hiding place in God.

 

Why Does God Call Us to Be Bold?

 

The messenger from God didn't criticize Gideon for hiding. Instead, he called him based on the purpose God had for him: "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior."

 

 

This is how God works in our lives too. He doesn't talk to us about who we are without Him; He talks to us about who we are with Him. When we get connected to Jesus, we are transformed from whatever we were into mighty warriors.

 

 

That's why the enemy works so hard to keep us out of church, out of the Word, and out of prayer. It's not because we're weak in ourselves, but because when we're connected to God, we become strong. His power is made perfect in our weakness.

 

What Steps Do We Need to Take to Walk in Boldness?

 

 

 

• Make a bold decision: Gideon had to choose to be bold. He had to decide, "I'm not going to hide anymore. I'm not going to be afraid anymore."

 

 

 

• Take bold action: After deciding to be bold, Gideon took action. He tore down the idols and altars that had been set up to honor false gods. He replaced them with an altar to the true God.

 

 

 

• Keep a bold commitment: When people confronted Gideon about his actions, he didn't back down. He remained committed to the path God had called him to.

 

 

 

How Does God Transform Us Through Boldness?

 

God fundamentally changes us when we connect with Him. He rewires us from the inside out, giving us different characteristics and qualities. We are no longer conformed to who we used to be but transformed into the life He has for us.

 

 

This transformation was evident in Gideon's life. At the beginning of the story, he was fearful and hiding. But as he followed God's call to boldness, he became a leader who could say to his men, "When you see me, do what I do."

 

What Happens When We Trust God's Plan?

 

God's plans often don't make sense to us. When Gideon gathered 32,000 men to fight, God reduced the army to just 300. He gave them vessels, torches, and trumpets instead of swords and spears.

 

 

But the victory was never about the 300 men or about Gideon. It was always about God. When they followed God's unusual battle plan, the enemy became terrified and defeated themselves.

 

 

This is how God works in our lives too. He calls us to do things that seem impossible, but He never leaves us or forsakes us. If we trust Him, He'll show us how it's going to work out.

 

Life Application

 

If what you've been doing hasn't successfully gotten you out of your problematic situation, doing more of the same won't work. You need to do something different, and the best different thing you can do is make a bold, unapologetic connection to Jesus Christ.

 

 

Here are some practical steps to take:

 

 

 

 

• If your coworkers don't know you're a believer, it's time to be bold about your faith.

 

 

• If you're still searching, be bold in letting others know you're seeking truth.

 

 

• Be bold in praying in front of your family, even if it's not your current habit.

 

 

• Commit to studying God's Word regularly.

 

 

• Ask God what you're hiding from and what He wants you to change.

 

 

 

Ask yourself:

 

 

 

 

• What am I currently hiding from in my life?

 

 

• Where am I seeking refuge instead of turning to God?

 

 

• What bold step is God calling me to take this week?

 

 

• How can I demonstrate my commitment to following God, even when it's difficult?

 

 

 

Remember, the same Holy Spirit that emboldened the disciples to preach despite imprisonment, torture, and death can empower you to do hard things today. Choose to be bold in Christ, knowing that His strength is made perfect in your weakness.