Go with what you have

This morning, I found myself diving into the captivating story of Gideon, and something about it really resonated with me today. Imagine the scene: Gideon is crouched in a winepress, diligently threshing wheat, a job typically done out in the open fields. Instead, he's hiding away, trying to keep a low profile from his enemies. There's a sense of fear hanging in the air, and it's clear that he's overwhelmed, seeking refuge from the struggles that have gripped his people.

Then, something remarkable happens. The angel of the Lord appears, sitting under a nearby tree as if to say, "I'm here, and I have something important to share." With a warm greeting, the angel declares, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." I couldn't help but chuckle at Gideon's response; it was a mix of surprise and skepticism as he stammered, "But sir." You could almost feel his uncertainty as he asked why the angel would say the Lord was with them, even though they had been facing hardship and suffering for seven long years.

Gideon's reply quickly turned into an outpouring of frustration, where he lamented everything going wrong around him. He felt genuinely abandoned by God, yet curiously, he seemed to overlook the part he and his community played in their situation. They had wandered away from God, chasing after idols, and it was their choices that had led them into this mess.

But oh, how our Heavenly Father is endlessly compassionate! Despite the rebellion and heartache, He still longs to reach out to His people. He actively searches for someone who can help guide them back, and who does He find? None other than Gideon. And let me tell you, this wasn't a picture of bravery; Gideon was practically hiding in that winepress, avoiding the spotlight.

The pivotal moment comes when the angel says, "The Lord is with you…" This phrase is so powerful! It's a reminder that in our own lives, we've all faced moments of doubt and fear, times when we've been lured away by the distractions and idols that surround us. It's in those fleeting moments that we might feel everything unraveling. But then there's the sweet turn of the conversation. After venting his frustrations, Gideon is met with an unexpected challenge from God. In Judges 6:14, the Lord turned to him and said: "Go in the strength you have…"

Isn't that just incredible? God knows Gideon is scared; He sees him trembling in that winepress, clearly preferring to stay hidden. And yet, God chooses him, not despite his flaws, but precisely because of them. He invites Gideon to step out with whatever little he has, reminding me of Moses, who had his own set of hesitations. Do you remember how God asked him, "What do you have in your hand?" Moses had a simple shepherd's staff, an everyday item that God would use to transform a whole nation from slavery to a chosen people called free.

Because God was near, what seemed impossible became possible. Draw near to God, as close as you can possibly get, and even your inadequacies can be used to set others free from bondage and bring honor and glory to God. Go in the strength you have, because God is with you.