No More (Part 5)

Drawing Inspiration from Gideon's Story

Let's take a look at how Gideon, transitions into the warrior God created him to be. When God approached Gideon, He told him to use the strength he already had to save Israel from the Midianites. In the book of Judges chapter 6, the angel of Yahweh came to the village of Oprah and sat down under the oak tree that belonged to Joash a man of the clan of Abiezer. His son Gideon was secretly threshing some wheat in a wine press so that the Midianites would not see him.

"12 Yahweh’s Angel suddenly appeared to Gideon and said, 'Yahweh’s presence goes with you man of fearless courage!

13 Me? Gideon replied.“But Sir if Yahweh is truly with us why have all these troubles come to us? Where are all his miracle wonders that our fathers told us about when they said did not Yahweh deliver us out of Egypt? But now Yahweh has abandoned us and put us under the power of the Midianites.

14 Then Yahweh himself faced Gideon directly and said, “Am I not sending you? With my presence you have all you need. Go in the strength that you now have and rescue Israel from Midian’s power!

15 Gideon said to him, but Lord how could I ever rescue Israel? Of all the thousands in Manasseh, my clan is the weakest and I'm the least qualified in my family

16 Yahweh replied, “my presence and my power will be with you! Believe me Gideon you will crush the Midianites as easily as if they were only one man!”

Can you imagine?! Here’s Gideon telling the Angel of YAHWEH all that he believes is wrong with him! I mean, Hello! He felt unworthy and unqualified for such a daunting task. He was the weakest and the least likely amongst his family. He thought he didn't have the necessary qualifications. Can you relate? You know you've been there. We all have. How many times have you’ve said these words?

But how God? I'm too weak.

The least likely.

The least in my entire family.

I am not qualified.

I’ve been rejected over and over again.

I am not enough.

I don't have what others have.

I'm afraid, not strong enough, too fragile, who would listen to me?

I can’t speak like everybody else.

I’m not a leader.

The church silenced my voice.

I don't measure up…it goes on and on.

Often, our self-talk is heavily influenced by negative past experiences and external factors that appear to be out of our control. This is due to the fact that many have not yet learned how to fully embrace their relationship with the Father and walk in true sonship. Nevertheless, it's remarkable to see how God has a way of choosing the least likely person to confound the wise.

Until next time, for the final conclusion….