A Mighty Warrior

A few weeks ago Riley went to Passion Kids, on the way home we asked her what she learned about and she explained the pond, the tent, the dance party and “the hero”. We pulled out her sheet and saw that she had learned about Gideon. We asked her questions about what he did and who he was and then read the story ourselves out of Judges on the ride home. The NEXT week we went to church with my sister and her family at 12 Stone and guess what the message was about…. Gideon. Kyle and I both looked at each other and kind of thought “how strange” but not much more. The next week… you guessed it, Gideon. At this point Kyle and started asking ourselves what God was trying to show us in the story of Gideon that was so important in OUR lives. The following Sunday we were listening to Charles Stanley speak and wouldn't you know it… Gideon. Finally, last night Kyle was looking at LifeWay’s website to see about getting a book and the home screen displayed a new Bible Study called GIDEON. We are convinced there is something very important for us to take away from the life and experiences of Gideon. From four different messages and our own reading, there are a lot of lessons to consider. On my way to work this morning these things hit me… I sent them to myself in a text message so I wouldn't forget. Although I feel sure that if I did, God would remind me again!

This is what I've gotten:

We all struggle with doubt sometimes. When God approached Gideon and called him a MIGHTY WARRIOR his first thought was, “Pshh, yea right! Me?” As believers we get down on ourselves a lot for doubting God’s words to us, and His plan over our lives. We are reminded in the gospel of Mark when the man says to Jesus, “Yes, Lord I believe. Help me with my unbelief”. It is not uncommon for us to believe, in faith, and then quickly doubt again what we know to be true. Gideon tested God. More than once he tested God, so that he could be helped with his unbelief. I don’t think God was “disappointed” in Gideon for doubting, He loved him just the same, just as He loves us even when we have doubts.

We all have a calling over our lives. As Charles Stanley spoke of this I couldn't help but get tears in my eyes. So many times I have thought, this calling is too big for me to accomplish… or, why would God call me to do something like this when I feel so incapable? The truth of the matter is, God has placed a calling on each of our lives and He is equipping us along the way to be prepared for that calling. Preparation is not always easy, but He works all things for our good and HIS glory. We can rest assured knowing that the God of LOVE has given us a task unique to our lives, and He is right beside us helping us to accomplish it.

Keep your eyes on God in the midst of the battle. When God sent the soldiers home that looked down to sip the water from the pool, I was convinced it was because He doesn't like double dipping. Kyle didn't buy that explanation, ha! Clearly God wanted to send only those who were aware of their surroundings and could focus on the battle before them, even in the moments of rest. In life we have to be aware that we are in a battle. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Eph 6:12). When we keep our eyes on God, and alert at all times that the enemy is fighting to destroy us, only then are we prepared to move forward.  

God will speak what is true even if it’s the furthest from what we believe. Gideon did not believe what God told him about his future. How often do we believe that there is no way God could love us as we are? God continues to speak these truths over our hearts: we are found, we are loved, we are redeemed, we are made clean, we are alive, and we have hope; IN HIM. No, we don’t deserve it. God has made us worthy by giving us the righteousness of His Son - and for that reason alone, we are His. We have been adopted as His sons and daughters and will remain with Him for eternity.

SO MUCH LOVE.

We may not have a lot, but with God we have more than enough. Gideon only had a few measly soldiers to bring to this battle against many. He knew there was no way they could win… without God. We may feel like we don’t have what it takes to pursue the calling God has placed on our lives. We might not even feel like we have what it takes to make it through the week financially.

God is enough. He is provider, and when we depend on Him we will ALWAYS have what we need. We have more than enough to do what He has called us to do because He MADE US and CALLED us Himself!

HE is a Mighty Warrior. Gideon may not have felt like a mighty warrior. I may not be a mighty warrior, but my God is. And… “I know who goes before me, I know who stands behind - The GOD OF ANGEL ARMIES is always by my side.” As Moses said, God if you don’t go before us, we don’t want to go (Ex. 33:15). We don’t need to feel capable, equipped, or ready. If God has called you, He will prepare you and He will go boldly before you.