AND THE WEAK BECAME STRONG

Perhaps you may have heard of a guy named Gideon. He was a kind of weak link in the band of Israelites, yet God called upon him to do a big job.  You see, a bunch of Midianites didn't want Israel to take over their land and fought them tooth and nail.  But God, had his hand on Gideon, saying, "Gideon, you're my man!"


Judges 6:15 tells us what Gideon said, "But Lord, how can I save Israel?  My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family."


Ever have that feeling?  Why are they asking me to do this?  I can't.  I just can't!


The following excerpt is from the Study Bible I am using:  "Like Gideon, we are called to serve God in specific ways.  Although God promises us the tools and strengths we need, we often make excuses.  But reminding God of our limitations only implies that he does not know all about us or that he has made a mistake in evaluating our character.  Don't spend time making excuses.  Instead spend it doing what God wants!"


 Being smart enough to know my weaknesses should be reason enough for a prayer to trust God in His desire to use me!  The Lord will give us--me--the right words, the right gifts to use as we--I--go forward in trust.


But, sometimes I am too smart for my own good.  This weakness doesn't appear until I have accepted the role He has asked me to play.  It is becoming too sure of myself!  I can become downright cocky! Then in whatever I attempt, God says, "I don't think so!"


This may not be your particular weakness.  I hope not!  It usually makes me feel rotten.  Failed God again! And that is why I write about this today.  Not everyone has this particular quirk.  Just imagine what it would be like to serve with someone who has grown overly excited about what he or she wants to do, and no one is in agreement! You'd want to tell him or her to "buzz off!"  but, being a good person, you don't do that, even if your comfort level has been seriously lowered.


This is my only form of apology to the wonderful women with whom I served a short time ago.  And I pray to God that He will show me if I am ever again getting close to being cocky!


I thank God for His revelation to me as I pondered today's message.  I am truly grateful for a God who shows me my errors as well as letting me be a part of His triumphs!  Our God is so good!


Jo in Minnesota, once again, pondering about life and God and all of you!