Read it: Judges 6:1-15; 7:17-20
Live it:
What’s that saying? “Hard times create strong men.”
Gideon lived in a terrible time for God’s people. In fact, we meet him while he is in hiding. He tells the angel of the Lord that he is less than up to the challenge. He doubts himself. Not exactly a strong man.
God sees all this. But He doesn’t walk away! Instead, He takes Gideon and begins to transform him into a warrior.
The Bible doesn’t say that Gideon then spent the next couple of years learning the sword. He doesn’t go on a hero’s journey to become one of those legendary warriors whom we also read about in Judges. Yet, the transformation is evident to all.
This is a story of God transforming Gideon’s character and mindset into one of a powerful warrior! There are no excuses! It does not matter if we come from a weak clan or if we see ourselves as the least of these. God is calling us!
It is in those situations that make us feel worthless that we are called higher: to understand the true identity and calling that the Lord has placed over us.
I think the saying “Hard times create strong men” needs to be changed to “Hard times create mighty warriors of God!”
Josh