It Can Be Done
Today’s Verse:
And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? ~Judges 6:14
In third grade, I tried out for the 3rd-4th grade boys basketball team without knowing how to play basketball. I was very anxious and assumed I would be told that I didn’t qualify. “Coach Tony” took time that first day to give me an orientation on basketball basics and let me participate in the drills. His confidence in me encouraged me to work hard at the game and to stick it out. I’m glad he didn’t write me off as a loser. This morning, let us be encouraged in what God sees in us.
We see Gideon’s perception.
“And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” Gideon’s perception was that he was a failure. He said that his family was the poorest among his tribe and that he was the least, or most likely to fail, in his family. Our perception of our upbringing or past has a lot to do with the shaping of our thinking. He also had a perception that the Lord gave up on Israel. Gideon was skeptical and doubtful that he could be of any help to God or his nation. Be careful of having such negative perceptions of yourself and God that you disregard any possibility of usefulness.
We see Gideon’s potential.
“And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might.” God saw great potential in Gideon. First, God looked upon him. God saw a young man that He could use. Gideon did not come to God boasting of his gifts and abilities. Instead, God came to him and saw someone who would lean on Him exclusively. Second, God told him to “go in this thy might.” God saw potential in Gideon’s weakness. God called his weakness might. God’s strength is made perfect in weakness. God is more attracted to our weaknesses than He is to our strengths. Don’t discount what God sees in you. Have faith in God’s selection of you.
We see Gideon’s purpose.
“Thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?” God saw potential because He had a purpose. His purpose was that Gideon would lead his nation to victory over the Midianites. Purpose begins with a calling. God called Gideon at an unlikely location: threshing wheat behind the winepress. “The gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” Purpose proceeds with an accomplishment. God told him that he would save Israel from the Midianites. It didn’t matter how badly outnumbered Israel was. What mattered was that God would use Gideon to bring them to victory over their enemies. Be clear about God’s purpose for you. Make sure you are in His will, doing what He wants done.
We see Gideon’s power.
“And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.” Gideon would not accomplish victory in his power but in the power of God. God promised His presence and an overwhelming victory. Now, we tend to look at things based on the risks to us. God wants us to look at our calling based on the risks to Him! There are no risks to God! What invincible power: “thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.” God’s power is one-size-fits-all. God’s power is extraordinary and mighty. It’s what takes a failure and makes him a success. It’s what takes a loser and makes him a winner. Be someone God can pour out His power through, and accomplish mighty things for His glory.
Have a confident God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Job 1-4