Rev. Gerrald Kimathi
God calls people out of toxic environments to bring deliverance. Gideon was summoned from a family steeped in idolatry, where his father had an altar to Baal. The Lord instructed him to tear it down and build an altar to the true God in its place. This act changed the atmosphere, demonstrating that deliverance begins with confronting and removing defiling influences that hinder God’s work.
In Judges 7:3-7 (KJV), God reduced Gideon’s army from thousands to a mere 300 men. He commanded those who were fearful to return home. This small, obedient remnant defeated the vast Midianite host. The reduction was not a limitation but a divine strategy: God ensures that victory comes through His power alone, not human strength.
Consider the Israelites in Exodus 14:2-14 (KJV). God led them by a longer route to the Red Sea, knowing a direct path would expose them to war with the Philistines and cause them to turn back in discouragement. Trapped between the sea and Pharaoh’s army, they cried out in fear of death. Yet God parted the waters, and they walked on dry ground while the pursuing Egyptians drowned. This crossing was a baptism into Moses, a complete deliverance from Egypt’s might. God hardened Pharaoh’s heart to display His glory, teaching that true freedom comes not by might nor by power, but by His Spirit (Zechariah 4:6).
In the same way, Romans 6:3-4 (KJV) declares: “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
Believers are baptised into Christ’s death and resurrection, enabling a new life. This requires daily surrender. Jesus Himself said in Luke 9:23 (KJV): “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
The cross signifies daily sacrifice—denial, rejection, and pain endured for holiness. Without embracing this cross, transformation stalls, and one remains trapped in discomfort. Sacrifice breaks yokes the enemy fears. It may mean severing ungodly connections, leaving harmful environments, or surrendering addictions and cravings that enslave.
God knows your limits and removes every trace of misery from your past Egypt. He leads through trials to produce double harvest—restoration in family, health, riches, and ministry. Partner with Him through consistent sacrifices, such as faithful giving and obedience, to enter this harvest without debt or compromise.
Declare victory today: let the Lord arise, and His enemies be scattered. Embrace the daily cross, change your atmosphere, and trust His Spirit for deliverance and multiplied blessing.
Application Confront and remove any toxic or idolatrous influences in your life that hinder God’s presence. Embrace daily sacrifice by denying self, taking up your cross, and surrendering cravings, relationships, or comforts that oppose His will. Trust that God reduces reliance on human strength to display His power, leading to true deliverance and double harvest. Partner actively through obedience and giving, and watch Him transform your atmosphere, break yokes, and restore what was lost.
