The full story of Gideon is told in the book of Judges chapters 6-8. He is also mentioned in Hebrews 11:32.
I have particularly centered on Gideon's story because many a times, I have found myself feeling inadequate and fearing my own limitations would prevent God from working through me. His story resonates with me, especially when time and again Gideon asked God to prove that indeed He was Lord, not once but twice even after the miracle of the burnt offering on the rock. Perhaps you may dismiss his unbelief to be too much, but here was a man who considered himself least in his family, that also came from not a so respected clan and God had just dropped a bombshell that he Gideon of the Manasseh tribe would rescue the Israelites from Midianites. Midianites for seven years had oppressed and treated Israelites with cruelty to an extent of pushing them to hide into caves. The Holy bible tells us that whenever the Israelite planted their crops,marauders from Midian, Amalek and the people of the east would attack Israel, camping in the land and destroying crops leaving them with nothing to eat, taking all the sheep,goats and donkeys. These enemies arrived on droves of camels too numerous to count!
But here in the midst of all these trouble, God chose a least known son of Joash and a farmer Gideon, to lead Israel into victory against the Midian. There is no doubt the victory was from God, since only 300 Israelite men went after a 15000 army of Midianites, to say these 300 men defeated an army of 15000 soldiers would be a far fetched story. However the angel of God had to overcome three objections before Gideon was convinced:(1) Gideon's feelings of responsibility for his family's welfare, (2) his doubts about the call itself, and (3) his feelings on inadequacy for the job. Eventually Gideon is convinced and we see him obeying with zest, resourcefulness and speed. He is renowned for being a military strategist who was an expert at surprise.
How many times have we shattered at the task at hand, because of only thinking about ourselves and our very own "mental" limitations? We tell ourselves how we are not capable of accomplishing, and may be if we came from a different family, tribe, school, nation, whatever background then we could PROBABLY be capable. How many times have we avoided to say what should be said ,the truth because we have tagged ourselves as not worthy to be heard? How many times has God ministered to your spirit , yet you take your sweet time evaluating how "it can't be you to take on the project"? How many times do we SILENCE that inner voice, inner inspiration and thinking of it as just a mere dream? How many times do we let our dreams just pass by and get comfortable in our accustomed zones? How many times do we know the direction that our Creator wants us to follow, but we are too afraid and adamant to follow what we know is 'best' for us?
Being a servant of God like Gideon means obedience to His holy word by giving Him your full attention believing God will prepare you for any task that He has called you to. In 2014, God spoke to me about serving him in a particular capacity. At the moment, nothing made sense in my present circumstances to fulfill the task He asked of me, and yes I went Gideon style. At first I was happy that I had 'heard' God, but when I looked at what He had in store for me, then the doubts began. You see, the 'task' is what made everything doubtful, and the more I did my own evaluation, the more I saw myself incapable, inadequate and if truly that was God's voice, then He probably had the wrong address. Despite all the naysayers voices in my head, I managed to casually ask God "But how?" Then I graduated to praying about it, and surrendered my will to His very perfect will. It was not easy, going through the turbulence, at some point I was sure I had lost it, yet I kept on believing He must have a way forward. Having made peace in my head and confessed daily to who I am in Jesus Christ, I saw His shaping of a pattern in my life, although it looked like a total disruption; from being separated to people I held close, to my career taking a whole different route that I had not anticipated and His purpose in my life becoming everything that I want to do as His servant.
The obedience came with opportunities opening before me, that I knew God had everything to do with. In all these opportunities the pattern was clear and clearer, He was and He is still preparing and molding me for His purpose. Yes, I did have my doubts, probably more than Gideon had, but when eventually I was convinced that God indeed is at the centre of it, I had a great sense of peace and calmness, knowing very well, through Him, He will work out the way, my part in this journey is to be available to be used as His vessel and trust in Him no matter what the society says in contrast.
In line with my experience, I would like to encourage you my dear reader, that nothing to God is impossible as long as He has called you. Lift the burden off your shoulders, and let Him work through you for His glory. Do not let your present circumstances dictate to you what ought and what ought not, instead focus on His word. His word is dependable and true and I have known Him to be faithful despite the seemingly insurmountable odds. Today choose to listen to the spirit, choose to hear His word, Hear! Hear! Hear! and most importantly obey,even though it will look foolish....He knows the beginning from the end, who then is better to entrust your life and future with other than our Lord Jesus Christ?
Have you been postponing your destiny, and denying the voice of God your full attention? Allow me to pray with you beloved.
Lord Jesus Christ, the Alpha and Omega, the one who knew me before I was formed in my mothers womb and knows the count of my hair, I submit to your authority, I surrender my will to your Holy will and ask of you to refresh me with your word again and again. I pray for a constant fellowship with Holyspirit, I pray that every hindrance and obstacle against my Hearing the truth be completely shattered from my spiritual life, and only your will shall now henceforth take charge in my life. Use me Lord, as you intend and prepare me for your purpose, so as to showcase your Glory. It's in Jesus might name that I pray and believe. Amen
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xoxo,
Mkamboi!
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