When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” Judges 6:12 NIV
Gideon was certainly not a mighty warrior when the angel appeared to him, so why did he greet him this way? God doesn’t see us as we are, with all our weaknesses and shortcomings, He sees what we can become with His help. He focuses on our potential in Him.
“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is 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 Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has 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?” “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” Judges 6:13-15 NIV
When God chooses to use your life for His purposes, what you bring to the table is completely irrelevant! Why did God choose to make Gideon a mighty warrior? He clearly lacked faith, as he questioned the stories passed down from his ancestors of God’s goodness and wonders. He did not believe God was working on their behalf: He felt God had abandoned them. Have you ever felt that way? Wondering if the God you’ve heard great things about is working in your life, wondering if He cares or if He’s even aware of your struggle. Surely He has more important matters to tend to, right? I imagine that’s close to the way Gideon felt. But God was well aware of all that Gideon was facing, and He’s aware of your struggles too. Perhaps you, like Gideon, are weak and lack confidence. You may think you’re the last person God would choose to use in mighty ways.
For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are. 1 Corinthians 1:26-28 ESV
God is very consistent. He likes to use those you would never expect Him to use. You may feel like you have nothing to offer God, and you’re right! But God doesn’t count on your abilities or strength. He has more than enough! He told Gideon, “Go in the strength you have.” That’s all you and I need to do too. Just go in the strength we have, even if it’s less than we think it should be. When God is involved, whatever we have is enough! Why? Because He goes with us!
The Lord answered, “I will be with you…” Judges 6:16a NIV
Our purpose and our strength comes from God. If He is with you, you have everything you need to succeed. Just walk with Him. Stay close beside Him and let Him use you. As you partner with Him, He will do great things with your life. The same God who was with Gideon, will be with you. You too can be a mighty warrior.