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?"
Observation: Gideon had a serious confidence problem. God was calling him to step away from his family idols and believe Him so that He could use him to save his people from the Midianites. Gideon had every excuse in the book, and almost no faith, but God knew him better than he knew himself. He asked him to step out, believing that he was being sent. In fact, all the way through this story, time after time, God proves to Gideon that He is with him.
The first time Gideon realizes he had seen God, he responds with fear, but God reassures him, and he builds an altar to Jehovah Shalom - the God of Peace (6:22-24), then he tears down the family altars to the idols. The second time, after Gideon runs the fleece experiment, he decides to start gathering his army. God proceeds to tell the reluctant leader that there are too many in his army! By Judges 7:10, God gave him a sign without his even asking.
Application: The God who accepts us the way we are calls us to step out, believing that we are being sent, and knowing that He will be with us. All He wants is one step at a time - "go in the strength you have". The key to taking each step is believing we are sent and knowing He is with us.
Prayer: (from Psalm 52:8-9): Lord, I trust in your unfailing love for ever and ever. I choose to cast away everything I place too much importance in, and take another step knowing you are with me. For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. Jehovah Shalom, Jehovah Nissi, Emmanuel, God with us, I will hope in your good name forever!
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