Definition of Omnipresent and its meaning:
- Present in all places at all times
- Proverbs 15:3, Hebrews 4:13
Definition of Omniscient:
- Having infinite awareness, understanding, and insight.
- Possessed of universal or complete knowledge.
- Psalm 147:5, 1 John 3:20, Psalm 147:5
Our heavenly Father, YAHWEH, has multiple divine attributes that we attempt to define despite our limited human understanding (Isaiah 55:8–9; Ephesians 3:20–21). Today we will examine two of the characteristics, omnipresent and omniscient. His omnipresent nature allows him to be present everywhere simultaneously (past, present, and future), while being omniscient indicates an infinite knowledge of all things. However, as mere mortals, our cognitive abilities leave us with limitations, and we will never fully grasp the full extent of YAHWEH. Therefore, it is essential to anchor our complete trust in Him and rest in His plans for our lives. Submitting ourselves to his will enables Him to guide us through every facet of our daily endeavors.
For I know the purposes which I am planning for you, says YAHWEH; purposes of peace, and not for evil; to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.
Judges 6-7 exemplify how an ordinary man with all of his flaws and reservations follows the plan of YAHWEH.
For seven years, YAHWEH allowed Midian to rule over and oppress the Israelites as a consequence of their sinful ways. During that time, Yashar’el (Israel) was broken, fearful, and humbled to the extent that they were not living as civilized people. They were reduced to living as cave dwellers with little hope of defending themselves against their oppressors. During harvest times, the Midianites, Amalekites, and the sons of the east would raid the Israelites’ farms and take all their produce and livestock, leaving them with nothing. When it became unbearable, Yashar’el cried out to YAHWEH (2 Chronicles 7:14), and He heard them. YAHWEH began setting up His plan to free his children from servitude, oppression, and cruelty. Interestingly, in Judges 6:13, Gideon hints that YAHWEH has abandoned them and questions their father’s story about how great YAHWEH was and is.
Gideon Chosen by YAHWEH
YAHWEH called upon Gideon to lead the children of Yashar’el in a crucial battle against the Midianites. However, Gideon initially hesitated to accept this daunting task due to his feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, cowardice, and fear. He explained to YAHWEH that his family was the weakest of the Manasseh tribe, and he was the least within that family. Therefore, Gideon wanted to ensure that the omniscient YAHWEH was 110% certain he was the man for the task. Gideon requested three miraculous signs to prove this, all of which were fulfilled (Judges 6:17,20-21 and Judges 6:36-40). These signs not only bolstered Gideon’s confidence but also demonstrated that YAHWEH does not make mistakes. He will be patient and understanding with His children while providing confirmation.
You sift my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.
In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.
After receiving the confirmation, Gideon gathered and settled an army uphill of the Midianite, Amalekite, and the sons of the east armies. I can imagine Gideon and his generals pheir attack. Saying things like: even though they outnumber us we have the advantage, we have the high ground, we have the element of surprise. However, YAHWEH had his own plan. His plan called for a fraction of the men Gideon assembled in the army, a little under 1% of the men.
As Gideon received confirmation of his assignment from YAHWEH, he quickly gathered his army on a strategic hill overlooking the Midianite, Amalekite, and the sons of the east troops. I can imagine the scene as Gideon and his generals meticulously planned their attack, weighing the advantages of their high ground and element of surprise against the odds of being vastly outnumbered. However, as events unfolded, it became clear that YAHWEH had a different plan for them. In a surprising turn of events, YAHWEH had use for a tiny fraction of the men Gideon had assembled – less than 1% – to carry out the divine strategy and achieve a stunning victory. (Please read the entirety of Judges 6-7 for all the details).
Gideon vs. YAHWEH troop number!
Gideon and his generals plan
- Israelites: 32,000 VS Midianites: 135,000
- That’s about 1 Israelite per 4 Midianites.
Odds of victory: Ok, with the element of surprise and high ground.
The first plan of YAHWEH.
- Israelites: 10,000 VS Midianites: 135,000
- That’s about 1 Israelite per 14 Midianites.
Odds of victory: Bad, but maybe doable.
The second and final plan of YAHWEH.
- Israelites: 300 VS Midianites: 135,000
- That’s 1 Israelite per 450 Midianites.
Odds of victory: Impossible, without YAHWEH.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you, My eye shall be on you.
In this and all Food for Thoughts I recommend you read the Scripture(s) provided and the entire chapter they are from to obtain more insight.
With the final plan and odds, what would you do?
- Would you trust in the limitless power and knowledge of YAHWEH, or are you gradually depending on your abilities and strategies?
- Would you have unwavering faith that YAHWEH‘s plan will lead and support you, regardless of the circumstances? Or would you feel overwhelmed and uncertain with the challenging situations?
- Would you embrace living or dying for the plan of YAHWEH, or would you feel frightened, overwhelmed, and uncertain?
I can understand that when YAHWEH asked you to move forward in His purpose and plan, you may experience fear and doubt in your heart like Gideon did. But be encouraged and know that YAHWEH is with you, mighty warrior of valor” (Judges 6:12). I implore you to get into YAH’s presence as Gideon did for confirmation and strength to move forward. YAH will give you the courage and the resources you need to accomplish His plan. You will have to trust that His plan is infallible; and that He will not lead you into destruction but to victory! Look and examine Gideon’s real-life experience for motivation and to increase your Faith in YAH. Gideon successfully defeated 135,000 Midianites with his army of 300 Men. Gideon fully trusted YAHWEH to deliver him and his army from the hands of the Midianites. Now it is your turn to increase your Faith and Trust in YAH. Know that if He did it for Gideon, He will do it for you too.
As Bible Believing Believers (BBBs), we must trust in YAHWEH and Yahshua with everything we have and trust that He knows what is best, because He does. Father knows our comings and our going, our past, present, and future. Every plan He revealed to you, you will prevail and win if you believe and trust in Him. Remember, the precepts of our ancient Fathers, “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says YAHWEH” Zechariah 4:6) and (Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will trust in the name of YAHWEH our Elohim. Psalm 20:7). We should not put our trust in our money, military, government, things, people, or idols. Our trust should be in YAHWEH and His plan.
By David Edwards