Did I hear her correctly? Why did she ask me, of all people? Maybe she has me confused with someone else. I know nothing about the Bible or leading a group. Everyone will laugh at me. Maybe she asked me because no one else wants the job.
Subsequently, one morning I attempted my sporadic quiet time by cracking open my new Bible, closing my eyes and plopping my finger down on Judges 6, the story of Gideon.
When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”
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.” The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.” (Judges 6:12, 14-16 NIV)
I pored over the story of the angel of the Lord appearing to Gideon. God discovers Gideon cowering in a winepress. He was hiding in fear of the Midianites, who were ravaging and plundering the countryside for seven years.
But God did not perceive Gideon as he appeared—afraid, weak, insecure, and inadequate. He viewed Gideon as the man he would become—a brave and valiant military strategist. Eventually, God transformed Gideon into a faithful man of God. Meanwhile, he saved his people from the oppression of the Midianites and was even mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11, the Hall of Faith. (Hebrews 11:32-33)
God recognizes our capability, not our inability.
How amazing is our mighty and gracious God—directing me to find the story of Gideon exactly when I required it. Though least likely to be chosen by men, God recognized who Gideon was and what he could accomplish. Though I feared failure and ridicule, God recognized me as a capable group leader.
Therefore, transform paralyzing fear into powerful faith with these steps from Judges Chapter 6.
Believe God sees your potential.
“The Lord is with you, Mighty Warrior.”
Is God asking you to serve in an area where you feel inadequate? God identified Gideon as a “mighty warrior” when he had no military or battle experience. God believes in you. Therefore, have faith only you can fulfill God’s unique purpose for your life.
Trust in God’s provision.
“Am I not sending you?”
We can count on God. In fact, God asks us to do the impossible, so we must depend on Him. He equips us when he calls us. For example, I did not know how to be a group leader or study the Bible. But God presented opportunities for me to gain these skills.
Rejoice in the presence of God.
“I will be with you.”
God declares his present and future presence to Gideon. Be assured, God never abandons us. Above all, we cannot accomplish anything in our own power. But His power is always more than enough.
Believe. Trust. Rejoice.
In summary, never let fear stop you from your God-given calling. Even if we are like Gideon—in a crisis, afraid, hiding, isolated and alone, God transforms our paralyzing fear into powerful faith.
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (Deuteronomy 31:8)
