Your Word Sustains Me

A Day-by-day devotional

May 19, 2023

Deal with your doubt

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Proverbs 11-14

Scripture of the Day: Judges 6:1-40

Gideon was a man chosen by God in the midst of his fear and doubt, to save Israel from the Midianites. The people of Midian sow terror in the hearts of the Israelites. They came to conquer the people and ruined their crops. While hiding himself from the Midianites, Gideon, who was a lowly farmer tilling the soil for wheat, was called by God to his life’s mission.

Although he feared the Midianites, the angel who carried God’s message to him called him a mighty man of courage. This may seem to contradict reality. However, God knew the truth about Gideon’s character although he himself failed to believe in himself. Nonetheless, although he doubted his own capabilities, he has completely put his faith in God and what God can do. His faith was so exemplary that he is listed as one of the heroes of faith (Hebrews 11:32).

Gideon may have lacked in a belief in himself but he trusted God completely and obeyed him. Through his faith and obedience, the Lord gave the Israelites victory upon victory through Gideon, the lowly and fearsome farmer who turned into one of God’s greatest warriors and leaders.

Oftentimes in life, we are much like Gideon. Fear inhibits us from seeing ourselves the way God does. God created each of us unique and with a purpose. Most of the time, what we see in ourselves as weakness, the things that we despise about ourselves, is something that God takes and uses to shape and mold us into what and who He designed us to be. Fear may paralyze us and hinder us from realizing our calling. However, if we, like Gideon, let go of this fear and instead let our faith operate and obey God, He could change and shape us according to His purpose.

You may think you are weak. But if God calls you a mighty warrior, then you certainly are a mighty warrior. Embrace your calling and be subservient to the will of the Lord.

Reflection: Is there something which you feel that the Lord is calling you to do but you are apprehensive to do it because of your own assessment of your capabilities? God blesses those who obey. Even when you think you cannot, if God says you can, have faith that you can. He will see you through.

Prayer: Father, replace my doubts with trust in you. Help me to not allow fear to cripple me from doing what you have called me to do. Thank you for calling me for a special purpose. Amen.