Confident Faith in El-Gibhor

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6, Zephaniah 3:17, and Hebrews 11:1.

Subject: Learning to depend on our “Mighty God.”

Introduction

This program is designed to give women peace in knowing that they have a “Mighty God” who is there to help, support, and fight for them against those who would oppose them. There are many names/attributes of God. Learning the names of God will give assurance no matter the circumstance we are loved, cared for, protected, defended, strengthened, wanted, and seen.

A Child is Born

How many times have we read Isaiah 9:6? “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders.  And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (NIV). We read it every year during the Advent season. We sing about the child born to us, we are thankful for the everlasting Father, and we pray for peace. I don’t think I have ever stopped to think about our “Mighty God.” But, nestled in this verse is El-Gibhor (Mighty God). That baby may not have come to earth to lead a “mighty” army against the Romans, but that does not mean He is any less strong and mighty. Or that He is any less ready to defend us against our enemies. Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV) says, “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you but will rejoice over you with singing.”

When David became King of Israel he was known as a mighty warrior. He had defeated the Philistines time and time again. He had fought in many battles and would fight in many more. He and his men were celebrated as mighty warriors. They trusted one another because they had fought alongside each other for many years. Mighty warriors have been tested by hardship, battle, and circumstances. They have faith in the one they have trained with and fought alongside. They knew for sure that they had each other’s back.

Do we believe in our God as El-Gibhor – Mighty God? How do we know that He will protect us, defend us, and care for us? How do we grow our faith and trust Him during difficulties and trials? We can train just like those mighty warriors trained. They didn’t start out “mighty,” but they worked at it day after day. David began as a shepherd. He learned to defend his sheep. As his enemies became bigger, he depended more and more on El-Gibhor. We must do the work to develop our relationship with God. We must learn about His mighty power by studying His Word. We must talk with Him “without ceasing” about all our difficulties. If we can do that, we will develop a trust in Him. Give God everything both big and small. As we do that every day our training will pay off, and God will reveal His mighty power. We will live in confidence that our “Mighty God” has our back.

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see (NIV). We can have confidence in our God and assurance that He is working in our lives even if we cannot see. We do have a “Mighty” God. He spoke the world into existence. He parted the waters. He defeated vast armies without a single drop of blood being shed. He calmed the raging sea. What a Mighty God we serve! If He can do all of that then He can take care of me.

Test Him my friends. Our training starts on our knees. God is there working even when we don’t see Him or feel His presence. Maybe in those difficult times when we see problems surrounding us, we should pray Elisha’s prayer, “Open his (my) eyes, Lord, so that he (I) may see” (2 Kings 6:17 NIV).

Program Ideas

Songs:

1. What a Mighty God We Serve (chorus)

2. Mighty to Save (Hillsong)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AW2LEU5v8VA

3. The Battle Belongs (Phil Wickham)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=johgSkNj3-A

Games

Create your own word search or cross word puzzles with the names of God using this site: https://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/criss-cross.

Craft Ideas

Download or purchase Names of God coloring cards, pages, or coloring bookmarks. Pinterest has lots of different options. https://www.rocksolidfaith.ca/category/bible-study-printables/page/4/

Bible journal the names of God or creating Scripture cards using the names of God to give away. Pinterest has great resources on the names of God and images to go with them. https://www.moneywisesteward.com/names-of-god/

Service Project

Print out extra coloring cards, scripture cards, or bookmarks. Have the women color them and take them to an outreach ministry. Pass them out and pray over those coming for assistance. (Shelter residents, food pantry, senior programs, youth programs, feeding ministries.)