Scripture: Judges 6
The text begins with God handing the Israelites over into the hand of the Midianites. The Israelites were subjected to bondage because they wanted to worship and Idolize false gods. God graced them with seven years of bondage that would cause them to turn back to God. The livelihood of the Israelites had been destroyed, and they were now impoverished. The Israelites cried out in anguish for God to have mercy on their people. God sent grace through Gideon.
An Angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon.
Judges 6: 12
“ When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.
When the Angel appeared to Gideon, he was shocked. Gideon could not see past his current situation or how he identified himself. Gideon was a part of an impoverished family. He considered himself to be the lowest on the totem pole. Gideon's disadvantaged situation did not directly reflect the presence of God. However, the Angel greeted him by acknowledging the presence of God and identifying him as a warrior. Talk about a sudden shift!
Judges 6:14
“The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”
Judges 6:23
“But the Lord said to him, “Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.”
God saw Gideon as the person he was called to be rather than the person he identified as. Gideon identified as helpless, unqualified, unvalued, etc. Gideon means great destroyer. Gideon was called to destroy something that sourced his bondage, poverty.
God said look, you are called to destroy something! You will destroy things that have held your family bound. You will be victorious over what once brought you to defeat. God said to go in the strength that you have. Everything you need for this fight is inside of you. You are equipped for the battle. You are the vessel God will use to shatter expectations and defeat the enemy, plus some.
Do not be afraid. This battle will not kill you. It appears as if death is the only result of the fight. YOU WILL NOT DIE. This storm will not kill your mental capacity. Your spirit will not die as a result. It might be a fight, but you will not die.
Go in peace
Go in strength
Go in confidence
It's time to get active.