How we see ourselves is one thing. How others see us is sometimes another thing. However, how God views us can be even far different than either. When we see how God used people of various backgrounds throughout the Scriptures — and especially those who would not generally be characterized as being notable (at least in human eyes) — it brings to light how God does not view us merely as we are, but by how He is able to use us when we surrender to His Will.
Consider Gideon. How was he perhaps viewed by others? It appears he was just as fearful of the Midianites as the rest of the people hiding away (Judges 6:2-11) as we are introduced to him hiding away beating out wheat in the winepress. (Judges 6:11) How did Gideon see himself? He saw himself among a people forsaken by God (Judges 6:13) and as being of the weakest clan of Manasseh and personally least in his father’s house. (Judges 6:15) And even when called into action by God, he did the first act at night due to fear of his own family and the people of the town. (Judges 6:25-27) Is that our picture of a dynamic hero? But how did God view Gideon?
When Gideon was first spoken to by the angel God had sent, we read. . .
“(12) And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.”” (Judges 6:12 ESV)
“O mighty man of valor.” This was God’s perspective and what Gideon would become as God would use him to defeat the Midianites. And as he would begin to surrender to the fulfilling of that role, he was encouraged that the Lord was with him (Judges 6:12 & 16) and was clothed by the Spirit of the Lord. (Judges 6:34) It was God who equipped Gideon for the work he was being sent to do. God continued to encourage him by giving him a sign when he asked for one (Judges 6:17-24) and in the putting out of the fleece. (Judges 6:36-40) And even when God reduced the size of Gideon’s army to 300 men (Judges 7:4-8) — lest there become boasting based on human strength (Judges 7:2) — God encouraged him by allowing him to overhear the interpretation of a Midianite’s dream. (Judges 7:9-15) Gideon then worshiped (Judges 7:15) and went to lead into the victory God would provide.
One of valor! That is how God viewed Him because it is what God made of him. Despite how we might view ourselves, God views us as being His child, a servant of Jesus, and as being holy because of the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus. We are then to live as such as we surrender to His power that is at work in and through us. (Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 2:13) Knowing it is God Who leads to victory, may we press on in life as one of valor!
Have a great day SURRENDERED TO LIVING IN THE GALLANTRY OF GOD!
Carl
