One of the toughest battles to fight is the battle within. It is a lot easier to identify external foes, study their tactics and take them on in battle. But most times, we hardly recognise the internal foes that must be defeated. Our lack of courage may be due to our fear of the reaction of those who will be affected by our decisions or because of whatever temporary pleasure we may forfeit for fighting this battle.

Gideon faced this kind of tough task in the first leadership assignment God gave him. The biggest problem he faced was not the Midianites, but his people who were given wholly to the worship of Baal. His first task was to throw down the idol of his father's house, signalling his disgust for idolatry. That was sure to incur the wrath of his people, but he had to do this, otherwise, they would never have victory over their external foes. And thank God, he did!

Before we can take on external enemies, we have to first examine potential problems in our own souls. Check up if you have thrown down those idols of "Baal" around you. They may be long-held family traditions and practices that run contrary to the will and word of God. They may be bottled-up enmity and grudges against another; or a long-cherished carnal indulgence that hinders you from giving your best to the Lord. Understand that no amount of prayers and deliverances conducted for you can give you total and permanent victory until you willingly throw down those idols! Take the step now.