Stretching Our Comfort Zone

God often sees things in us that we don’t see in ourselves. He created us. Hand-crafted us for a purpose at this moment in history. He knows everything about us, including unseen capabilities. He wants to stretch us beyond our comfort zone to see us accomplish things we never thought possible. Gideon is a good example for us to follow.

“The Lord is with you, O valiant warrior (Judges 6:12, NASB).” This is what the angel of the Lord said to Gideon. He seemed anything but that. When the angel appeared to him he was beating wheat in a wine press in an effort to save it from the Midianites (verse 11). Why? Because of the disobedience of Israel, “the Lord gave them into the hands of Midian for seven years (6:1).” After Israel would sow their crops, the Midianites and Amalekites would destroy their produce (6:3-6). At this moment, Gideon seems more intent on survival than taking on an invading army.

Yet God sees something in Gideon that he doesn’t see in himself. He sees him as a valiant warrior, but Gidon has his doubts and proceeds to question God. He wonders why the Lord has not done something about the Midianites. “But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of the Midian (6:13).” God gives him a quick response. “Go in this your strength and deliver Israel from the hand of Midian. Have I not sent you (6:14)?”

Gideon expresses considerable doubt about this instruction from the Lord. His response offers insight as to how he perceived himself: “O Lord, how shall I deliver Israel? Behold, my family is the least in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house (6:15).” Perhaps doubts about our own abilities means we’re more apt to be humble and more open to God working through us. The Lord tells Gideon, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat Midian as one man.”

As you read on in Judges 6-8, you see that Gideon continues to express hesitancy in doing what God commands. But God works with Gideon’s fears and gradually brings him to a point where he indeed does free Israel from Midian. This should encourage us that God patiently works to strengthen us for His work. God will accomplish what he sets out to do. Toward the end of Judges 8, Gideon has demonstrated he is indeed a valiant warrior.

“So Midian was subdued before the sons of Israel, and they did not life up their heads anymore. And the land was undisturbed for forty years in the days of Gideon (8:28).” 

Answering the Call

This post is part of the “Answering the Call” series. Join me each Tuesday morning as we explore the moment of decision for so many people in the Bible.

© 2024, Chris G. Thelen