Gideon’s Call

Judges 6:11-16, “And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah… And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites… And he said unto Him, O my LORD, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house. And the Lord said unto him, Surely I will be with thee…” 

Israel is oppressed by Midian. The people hid in caves and fields. Gideon threshed wheat in a winepress, and hid food from marauders. God found him cowering in fear and shame but still called him to be the agent through whom He would deliver Israel. This passage provides a divine paradox. God chooses the weak to show His power. Gideon’s candid doubts and God’s repeated assurance (“I will be with thee”) show a pattern of divine commissioning that works through human frailty for God’s glory. 

God often calls ordinary, fearful people, and the promise of His presence is the bedrock for obedience. The command to “go in thy might” is fulfilled by God’s enabling. Gideon’s humility and later faith illustrate how God cultivates courage out of weakness. The narrative exposes human smallness and divine largeness. Ministry effectiveness is derived from God’s power and wisdom, not human resourcefulness. Leaders must rely on God, not their abilities or connections. 

God tells us throughout Scripture to be courageous. Biblical courage is not the absence of fear but is the activity of pressing on through fear while relying and focusing on God, His Word, and His promises.  Accept your place of weakness. If God calls you, He equips you. If a service or task scares you, go forward in prayer. Consider what task you may have avoided because you think or feel that you are inadequate. One of God’s provisional gifts is your local church, where the brethren will help “carry your burden” (Galatians 6:2) and remember what God said to Gideon, and says to us, “Surely I will be with thee…” Prayer: Lord, when I feel small and unready, assure me by Your presence, use my weakness for Your glory and give me courage to obey. In the name of Jesus. Amen. 

Today’s devotion has been written by Bro. Joshua Soliz, a member of Rodgers Baptist Church who is a LIFE Group teacher and regular preacher here.