The Strength We Have

“Then the Lord turned to him (Gideon) and said, “Go with the strength you have and rescue Israel 
from the Midianites. I am sending you!”

"“But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” Judges 6:14,15 NLT

Does this sound as familiar to you as it does to me? How
often have we questioned God’s direction because of our weakness? Are you sure
you want me to write? Are you sure you want me to lead a small group? What are
you thinking, asking me to work with little children? You want me to go to Malawi to help build wells?
I’m supposed to start a food pantry at my church? What
makes you think I can declare your glory in my art?

When we feel sure we’ve heard God but we still question our
own strength, we must remember this Old Testament warrior. God used weak Gideon
to defeat the strong Midianites, who had brought the chosen people to the brink
of starvation.

Advertisers talk about TOMA—Top of mind awareness. I need to
keep in my “top of mind awareness” that, though my arms are weak, God will
strengthen them. He will spark my sluggish brain. He will increase my patience.
He can and will accomplish his purposes in each of our lives. Like Gideon, God is
asking us to “go in the strength you have.” If God is sending us, God will increase
that strength.

Father, may we lean on your strength today.