You’re a Hero in God’s Eyes (Even When You Don’t Feel Like One) - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - November 6
“The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!” (Judges 6:12, NLT)
Have you ever felt like the least likely person to complete a specific task? Maybe you were asked to help your grandma make dinner for Thanksgiving, but you have absolutely no idea how to cook. Or, perhaps you were offered a higher position at work, but don’t have the training and credentials people usually need for that job. Maybe you were asked to give a speech for your college, but you’re petrified of public speaking.
No matter the example, I’m sure it’s safe to say we’ve all felt this way, right? And we definitely wouldn’t call ourselves heroes in those moments. But what if God said you were a hero, period. No ifs, ands, buts, or excuses allowed? Would you believe Him? Would you accept His call?
In Judges chapter 6, God calls Gideon to an incredible task. But before this, let’s get a little bit of context: The Israelites had done what was evil in the Lord’s sight over and over again. Because of this, God allowed the Midianites to oppress them for 7 years. As a result, the Midianites stole Israel’s crops and livestock, and they were exhausted. Crying out to God for help, God called Gideon to rebuke His people, but also help them (verses 1-11). Immediately after this call, however, Gideon isn’t so sure he’s the hero who should jump into action.
Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress (vs.11). He was an ordinary man with no exceptional talent or skill. And yet, God chose him. It makes sense then that in this situation, he would ask the Lord, “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “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” (vs.13).
What I love about Gideon is that he wasn’t afraid to ask God questions. Even before he responded to God’s call, God told him not to fear (vs.12). It’s as if the Lord already knew he’d question and be afraid, and yet, two things stood out to me: God called Gideon a “mighty hero,” and told him, “The Lord is with you.” He didn’t criticize Gideon for asking questions about how and why this would be possible, but instead gave him the confidence of Christ’s presence.
Today, I don’t know where you’re at or what challenges you’re facing, but I know that if the Lord is with you and He’s called you to this task, you’re a mighty hero. You might not feel like it, but what He’s called you, no one can rebuke. Our identity is secured in Jesus Christ alone. You don’t have to feel like a hero to be one; you have to trust God that you are.
How can you practically believe this today?
-Take time to journal about God’s calling on your life. If you’re unsure, ask Him. Read His Word. Study the Scriptures. Ask a friend or family member to pray with you about this. God will make it evident to you.
-Next, tell God about any insecurities or fears you have surrounding this calling. You can also journal this, speak it out loud, or keep it in your head. What matters is that you’re open and honest with Him.
-For every fear or negative thought you have regarding your calling, find a Scripture to counter it. For example, if you’re afraid, remember that God promises to be with us wherever we go.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, sometimes, when you call us to big tasks or goals, we can feel unprepared and fearful. We feel like Gideon—full of questions, doubts, and apprehension. More often than not, we feel like you called the wrong person. Certainly not us, right Lord?
When we’re tempted to feel this way, remind us that we can be like Gideon. You call us mighty heroes before we’ve done anything. That means that our strength and power can’t come from ourselves, but from the power within us. Please help us to believe and declare this statement over our lives today, and help us to live it out in faith and deed. We love, praise, thank, and trust you, Jesus. Amen.
Reflect on today’s devotional and share how God is speaking to you through His Word. Join the discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/AaronAmat
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