YOU are a Mighty Warrior

“The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” Judges 6:12b

One of my favorite stories in the Bible is about Gideon. His story can be found in Judges 6-7.

Gideon is an example of how many of us see ourselves…which is so contrary to how God sees us. When the angel of the LORD said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior,” Gideon asks, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.” (v.13)

He immediately identifies with a victim mentality. Why, God, is this happening to me?! If you’re so good, why am I having to go through this?

The LORD tells Gideon to go in the strength he has and deliver Israel out of Midian’s hands (v.14) and Gideon begins to tell the LORD all the reasons He has chosen the wrong guy. “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” (v.15) The LORD reassures him, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.” (v.16)

The rest of the story journeys through questioning, belief and obedience (and tearing down idols!)…to eventual miraculous victory!

I encourage you to read Judges 6-7 and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any similarities you may have with the story of Gideon. Do you question God’s goodness when something bad happens to you? If He has called you to do something, do you give Him all the reasons He has chosen the wrong person? Are you struggling with disobedience? What kind of altar do you have on your high places? (What are you worshiping?) Is it an altar to the LORD, or to money? Status? A relationship? A call? (Yes, we can even elevate what we believe is our call from God, above God Himself.) Are you struggling with doubt? Are you afraid?

Ask the Holy Spirit where you might need to repent (and then repent!), and then ask Him to begin to reveal to you how YOU are a mighty warrior! Because that is what you are!

*Side Note: If you are struggling with one, or more, of the things I listed above, take heart! I have struggled with all of them, so you are not alone. But God is GOOD! He has walked me through each of them. He’ll walk you through your struggles, too. You just need to be willing to come to Him with a humble heart and give Him full access. Your will must be wholly surrendered to His…THAT is when victory comes! Be Blessed! I am praying for you!