Judges // Week 5
I’ve always been generally insecure. When I was a child, my insecurities held me back from small things, playing with others at the park, speaking up in class. I wasn’t confident enough in myself to ask for what I wanted or believed. In my adult life I see that play out in everything I do. I am unsure if a family member will support my job on staff so I don’t ask them to join my ministry team. I am not sure if the parenting decision I made is the best, so I ask for advice and do what is the most common. I am unsure of the way God made me so I compare myself to others. If left unchecked, every decision I made in my life would be marked by insecurity.
There will be many times in our lives when we feel ill equipped to do what He has asked. We will be hindered by our fears, insecurities and doubts and hesitate to obey the Lord - and God is not surprised by that! We see the very same reaction from Gideon in today’s reading. Gideon was clever and resourceful, but when God calls him, he is fearful that his limitations would prevent him from being impactful to God’s purposes. Gideon too felt insecure.
2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Like Gideon, we are called to serve God in specific ways. Although God promises us the tools and strength we need, we often make excuses.
The beauty of Gideon's story is that we get to see the patient, gentle and loving Father who is leading him. When Gideon asks for the signs, God doesn’t condemn him or berate him for not believing. He gives Gideon exactly what he needs in order to accomplish His purposes. The same goes for us. God can handle your fears and tenderly deal with your anxieties. He is trustworthy.
Psalm 23 paints the picture of Jesus as a good shepherd - and do you know which animal is historically timid and afraid? Sheep. Because they are prey animals with few predators to protect them, they are naturally nervous and easily frightened. Sound familiar? God is well acquainted with insecurity and anxiety - we can trust His leadership in our lives.
As you reflect on Gideon’s story consider this question:
When was the last time you felt like God was asking you to do something? What was your immediate response?
God can do what we believe is impossible.
Today, spend some time asking you what He would like for you to do - ask Him for the faith to respond to whatever it is He may ask of you.
