God's Mighty Warrior
Do you ever doubt that you could be used by God in big ways? Yeah, me too. The good news is that we're in good company:
- Moses doubted, but God used him to lead God's people out of slavery in Egypt!
- Abraham and Sarah doubted, but God made their offspring as numerous as the stars!
- Gideon doubted—repeatedly—but God used him to lead an army of only 300 men to defeat an army of approximately 135,000 Midianite soldiers!
So, if you've ever doubted your ability to be used by God, be encouraged that God frequently works through the most unlikely people in order to bring about His will. The key lies in the words: "but God." By using unlikely people and formidable circumstances, God receives all the credit and glory.
Years ago, when I drafted my first Bible Study, I was so overcome with doubt and fear that I literally had a panic attack. I found myself crying out to God with a list of reasons why I wasn't able to do it. His response? That's the point.
He reminded me of Gideon's epic, supernatural victory and that God called Gideon His "mighty warrior" long before that victory ever occurred. You see, Gideon was actually threshing wheat in hiding from the Midianites when the angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to him and said, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior."
Can you imagine? Then as God revealed His plans to use Gideon to lead the Israelites to victory, Gideon responded with all the reasons why he couldn't do it. Not only was his clan the weakest, but he was the least in his family, and he felt abandoned by God. The angel instructs Gideon to "Go in the strength you have" because it was God who was sending him. God promised to be with Gideon and give him victory.
When Gideon saw himself, he saw his flaws and weaknesses. But God saw who Gideon could be when fully submitted to God's plans: his mighty warrior.
As that truth has settled in my heart, I began to see myself through God's eyes and who I could be when obediently moving in His strength. I gained a new confidence to push through my fears in faith, trusting that there was purpose in the calling He had given me.
Have I wrestled with "imposter syndrome"? Absolutely. Do doubts still surface on occasion? Of course. Anytime we are being used by God to do things well beyond our own abilities, it's natural to have those feelings. But when those fears threaten, we must remind ourselves of the character of the God we serve and that His presence in us is the power to accomplish His will...all for HIS glory, not our own.
It's a journey, but I hope this message encourages you to:
- See God accurately as He reveals Himself in His Word
- See yourself accurately through His eyes as His vessel
Then step forward by faith to fight the battles that He has called you to fight and embrace the adventure as His mighty warrior!
