We all experience a time in our lives when we doubt our abilities, talents and gifts. We don’t see what we’re capable of and only see our worst. During these moments of darkness, we need confirmation from God.
Looking at Gideon for Guidance
Judges 6:11-14 tells the story of an angel of the Lord coming to Gideon and calling him a “Valiant Warrior.” This is an incredible experience on its own, but the fact is that Gideon was feeling his worst when the angel came to him. Gideon was hiding from the oppression of the Midianites. He responded by questioning the angel, but the angel didn’t back down and reminded him of his strength and courage.
When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”
“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lordis with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lordbring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lordhas abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.”
The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” (Judges 6:12-14)
God Identifies Us
While Gideon was full out doubt and insecurity, God called him to lead the Israelites into battle to overcome their enemy. God orchestrated the battle perfectly, using only the bare minimum to defeat the Midianites. He used only 300 warriors to defeat an entire army. Those warriors surrounded enemy troops. With a trumpet in one hand and a torch in the other, God instilled a fear in the Midianites causing them to scatter. The Israelite were then in a position to capture and defeat the Midianites. But, before any of this could happen, God had to show Gideon what he was capable of doing with the strength and glory of the Lord.
God knew what He was calling Gideon to do. He knew Gideon’s purpose. Therefore, He called Gideon a name according to his potential, not his current condition. When we’re caught in a bubble and have a hard time seeing beyond our current situation, it can bring us peace if we recall that God knows the future that He’s guiding us toward. He uses every moment, even our present instance, to prepare us for stepping into our truest identity. God knows who we are before we know it ourselves. His view of us is not bound by our reality, thoughts, behavior, beliefs or actions. It’s directed by His knowledge, His plan and His strength.
Looking to God for Guidance
God calls us by the possibilities that He has placed within us. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” He knows who we can potentially become if we continue to follow the calling He‘s placed on our lives. It’s easy to belittle ourselves, but God wants us to see our true self in Him. He wants us to see our beauty, strength and compassion.
God wants us to know that nothing is impossible through the Lord. We’re capable of overcoming the most daunting task when we rely on Him and let Him work through us. When we see God for who He is in all His glory, we start to see ourselves the way He sees us. Then we’re able to do the good works that He has placed before us with His power and victory.
Though we have a lot of strength on our own, we can never gain enough power to be outside of God’s reach. He will walk with us as we journey toward our potential. He will allow us to test Him, question Him, even doubt Him. He knows how we’re going to respond before we’re able to react to His calling. He’s already set up all we need to enable us to accomplish the task and purpose He’s called us to. Trust that the Lord is with you, that He will guide you and walk you step by step through life. You must let Him do so to reach your full potential. So, go out, listen to the Lord, rely on Him and be the Valiant Warrior He’s called you to be!
