Mighty Warrior! Who Me?

As I read about Gideon in the Book of Judges, I knew a blog was in the making. I sensed it coming from Heaven Central. And, I knew it was meant for my friends who are hurting from disappointment, lost dreams, sickness, defeat and worry!

Trouble, BIG trouble was all Gideon could see. He was doing everything he could to provide for his family despite the poverty and the oppression around him. Everything looked bleak. He was forced to go into hiding. He was taunted by his enemies and his heart broke for his hungry children.

Maybe you can relate to Gideon. You lost your job, and now you’re struggling to feed your family. You’re facing taunts by those at work who don’t understand your faith. Your once-loving home doesn’t feel like home anymore.

You look at your children’s faces and think about the beautiful dreams you once had for them. Now those dreams are shattered due to illness, trauma, or even their own poor choices.

You’re not alone in these moments. You’re not alone in your despair, anxiety, and heartache. When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, his first words were simple, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” (Judges 6:12)

WHAT? Mighty warrior? Of all the things God could have said, His priority was to reassure Gideon. His desire was to comfort His hurting child. With one simple announcement, God changed the picture: “The Great I AM is here.”

I want my readers to hear this today! What you’re walking through today — the Great I AM is there for you, too!

Gideon’s response to the announcement of God’s presence is so relatable. “If God is in this place, why is there pain? Why is there heartache? Why are my children going hungry?”

Maybe you have felt that God has forgotten you and your family. Maybe it feels like God is asleep at the wheel while you are in the worst moments of your life. If so, then you’re in good company. Gideon is right there…and so is the Great I AM.

After reassuring Gideon of His presence, God immediately calls Gideon a “mighty warrior.” Gideon missed the beautiful identity that God had just given him. He was so worried and anxious over what was happening in his daily life that he couldn’t see God had BIG plans for him.

He downplayed himself: “My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” (Judges 6:15)

Maybe you’ve thought about your weaknesses more than your strengths. Maybe you’ve said: “I am only a stay-at-home mother,” “I am only a stock clerk at the grocery store.”

Hold on, MIGHTY WARRIORS! There are no “only” words in God’s vocabulary! Every person in the family of God is vital. Every person is a “mighty warrior” because of the sacrifice of Jesus.

God granted us victory over every trial and temptation we would face in our lifetime. That is what Paul wrote: “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)

Today you may not feel like it. You might feel broken and shattered beyond all recognition. But the One who knows you tenderly whispers your true identity over you. He calls you “mighty warrior” and assures you that victory is close.

God is on our side. The King of Heaven’s Armies with legions of angels at His side, is equipping and calling us. He’s saying, “You do not need to fear, my child. This battle is mine. All I want you to do is lift the sword.”