You’re Called
“It's like we've reduced Christianity to just a label, as if this is all that God has intended for us—merely a name to carry around. Some say, "Well, we’re going to heaven one day, so that’s enough." But no, we were created for so much more. We're designed to witness everything around us transformed, everything shifted, and the standard elevated in every aspect of life. You're called for a reason. You have a divine purpose. We are meant to see desolate cities rebuilt and lives restored. Isaiah 65 speaks of living long and flourishing like oak trees, yet too often these are just promises on paper, promises that hasn’t borne fruit in our lives or communities. So can I encourage us to get to a place where we begin asking “why?” Because God is not afraid of us asking why, but are we truly ready to hear and embrace His answers? The reason why is often the weak link holding us back. The Lord’s arm is not too short to reach out and save, change, strengthen, and encourage us—it’s our own hesitation to confront the truth that limits the fullness of His work in and through us.” Pastor Tim
We’ve been reading in Judges concerning the Israelites disobedience to Yahweh and what it brought upon their lives. They cried out to Yahweh asking for help. The next part of the story takes us to Gideon. He is the son of Joash of the clan of Abiezer. We find Gideon hiding, secretly pressing wheat for his family. He’s in a humbling situation. A hard place trying to provide for his family. All of a sudden, the Angel of the Lord appears to Gideon in this secret place of hiding and speaks to him.
“Yahweh’s Angel suddenly appeared to Gideon and said, “Yahweh’s presence goes with you, man of fearless courage!” (Mighty Man of Valor). “Me?” Gideon replied. “But sir, if Yahweh is truly with us, why have all these troubles come to us? Where are all his miracle-wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, ‘Did not Yahweh deliver us out of Egypt?’ But now Yahweh has abandoned us and put us under the power of the Midianites.” Then Yahweh himself faced Gideon directly and said, “Am I not sending you? With my presence you have all you need. Go in the strength that you now have.”
Abba speaks to who we are and where we’re going. He doesn’t entertain the thoughts we have about ourselves in the humbling, frustrating situations we find ourselves in. The name Gideon means Warrior. Yahweh was speaking to who Gideon is made to be. He’s never fought in a battle. You may see yourself one way but it’s time to ask Abba who you really are. It’s important to be honest with the Lord about where you are right now.
When Gideon responded to the Angel with, who me? Are you kidding? I am in the wheat press secretly hiding because I am afraid. If Yahweh is really with us, then why are we having so many troubles? He has had enough of this situation they are in. Are you ready to be honest with the Lord about where you are and how you feel?
When Gideon was honest, Yahweh Himself showed up face to face with Gideon. He is ready to show up face to face with you in your situation. You are being sent in His presence and strength to change everything around you.
Requirement: Honesty. Abba is not afraid of your questions. Let’s not be afraid of the answers. It’s time to be who He’s called us to be. Love never lets us stay the same.
