The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and deliver Israel from the grasp of Midian. I am sending you!” (Judges 6:14, CSB)
I recently read again the story of Gideon and the battle he led against Israel’s enemies (Judges 6). Although we see Gideon as God’s man for the hour, he did not immediately step forward to answer God’s call. Instead, he questioned, offered excuses, and wanted signs (fleeces).
Although the angel of the Lord greeted Gideon by saying, “The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valor” (verse 12), Gideon did not respond like a valiant man. He felt some fears and insecurities that held him back. He looked at his limitations rather than God’s possibilities.
Recognizing Our Fears
Have you ever felt inadequate to perform a particular task? I have. Many times. I was once asked to serve on the planning committee for a new project. I think I only knew one other person and quickly assumed the others were all super qualified. I wondered, “Why am I here?” I was nervous and wanted to withdraw into my shell. Only later, after we all became better acquainted and felt comfortable working together, did I learn that each of the others felt similar fears. We all hid insecurities. Had we allowed those insecurities to limit us, the project would have been much more difficult, or even impossible. We all moved beyond our self-doubts to successfully complete the assignment.
If God asks you to do something, and fear begins to fill your mind, remember what God spoke to Gideon. Those same words will help you reach beyond what you perceive as your limitations. God said, “Go in the strength you have.” In other words, we are to use what God has already put inside us, and He will then provide the rest. “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength” (Isaiah 40:29, ESV).
God Sees Our Possibilities
Throughout the Bible we see the Lord using men and women we would consider underqualified at best. But this One who created us sees our possibilities rather than our limitations. If we are willing to trust God and use what He has already placed inside us, He will then empower us to finish the task.
There is a second part to Judges 6:14 that we should also consider. God says, “I am sending you.” Rather than look at the size of the task, look instead at the size of the God who called us. He has confidence that we can perform whatever He asks of us. God will never ask more than is possible when combined with His strength.
God is in Control
Gideon may have looked at the enemy surrounding them and thought everything was out of control. But remember, just because things seem out of control does not mean God has lost control. It is all in His hands. Step out in faith and He will meet you there.
Go in the strength that you already have. If that isn’t sufficient, God’s strength is. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (Ephesians 6:10, ESV).
Lord, while I may feel inadequate to accomplish the things You have called me to do, I realize that not only do You call me—You also go with me. Help me to look beyond my limitations to Your possibilities. You are my strength, and all glory belongs to You for whatever is accomplished.
Other scriptures to study: Deuteronomy 31:6; Isaiah 41:13; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:31; II Corinthians 12:9-10; I Thessalonians 5:24
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