[426 words]
In the book of Judges, we read about a time when the nation of Israel was overrun with Midianites. They would rob God’s people of their harvest and do even more evil things to God’s people. Israel prayed and begged God to send a leader who would run the enemies out of their land and peace would come.
In Judges 6:12, the Angel of the Lord addressed a coward by the name of Gideon. The Angel said: “The Lord is with you mighty warrior.” The Lord didn’t see Gideon in his present situation. But, Gideon’s lack of faith or courage is seen in a question. Gideon dared ask the Angel of the Lord, that if the Lord is with him why didn’t he do something about these evil Midianites overrunning his land?
And there was an answer to that question. It was not what Gideon wanted to hear. God’s answer was: “I am doing something about it. It’s you. You are the answer. You, Gideon, go and deliver your people.”
Often times, there are folks who say: “Why don’t they do something. But the question should be, what can I do about that situation? Here is a good example. There is always an element that always says, “Why don’t the churches do something about the poor?” What those folks fail to realize is, they are the church. And if they see a need, then maybe that’s the Lord calling them to do something about that need.
Gideon was surprised by this answer. I don’t know what he thought the Lord should do. He probably wanted God to simply wipe out the enemies of Israel with a wave of his hand. And God could have done that. But the Lord doesn’t think like we think (Isaiah 55:8-9). God sees things we don’t see. He knows things we don’t know. God’s plans are perfect. Ours are flawed.
Apparently, Gideon wanted deliverance, but he wanted someone else to do the delivering. So, Gideon came up with an excuse. He said, “But Lord, I am from the weakest clan and I am its weakest member.” Basically, his response was: “Lord someone else.”
Often, we think we are not smart enough, talented enough, rich enough, to complete a work. But God sees what you can become if you will put yourself in His hands. The Lord looks at you and sees great potential. I truly believe that the Apostle Paul understood this when he wrote: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Larry Fitzgerald
Woodlawn church of Christ
Abilene, TX