Sometimes, when we hear the Lord call upon us to tackle an important task, we may ignore His voice. Instead of accepting that we were chosen to walk this path for a reason, we see all of our own shortcomings and flaws, and we decide that the call was meant for someone else. We turn our back on the duty our Father has called us to do because of our fear, doubts, and insecurities. Yet today, rather than turning our back or deferring to others, let’s own that call and take action.
How to answer God’s call to action:
- Trust that you were chosen for a reason. Even though you may feel as though you’re not the obvious choice for God’s mission, He has picked you because you are perfect for the job. For example, when the Israelites found themselves threatened by the Midianites, God chose Gideon to save them. Gideon was perhaps the last man one would consider when looking for a general to rally behind. He not only hid from the Midianites until the angel of the Lord came to find him, but he was also the weakest member of his family in the weakest clan of the Israelites. In other words, Gideon was not an obvious choice to save the Israelites, but God knew that he would be just the force they needed. So, although you may not seem to be the most connected, or influential, or strong, you were chosen for a reason. Simply have faith in yourself and in God’s choice, and find the courage to step out of your comfort and into your miracle. In your times of doubt recall these words: “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
- Rely on His strength and take a step forward. When we are given a task from God, the magnitude of the issue can sometimes be overwhelming. In Gideon’s case, he asked God if he was the right man for the job over and over again since he wasn’t strong and he didn’t come from a powerful family or clan. Gideon felt as though the challenge of fighting off 100,000 Midianites wasn’t anywhere near something he could accomplish, so he stalled for a long time. Just as was the case with Gideon, we may sometimes feel as though we couldn’t possibly achieve a goal since we can’t even begin to see the finish line. Yet, when the task has been assigned by God, no problem is insurmountable. Simply rely on God’s strength, and anything is possible. All you have to do is take the first step forward. Remember these words to inspire you to take action: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (ESV)
- Maintain your humility now and down the road. One of the most important parts of Gideon’s story is that he showed an incredible amount of humility—not only when he was chosen, but all the way up until he completed his task. Gideon realized that his strength and cunning alone could not overpower the Midianites, but that with God by his side, anything was possible. So, he never stopped giving credit to the Lord, and he continued to stave off arrogance and embrace sacrifice. That humility is one of the reasons that he was picked for the task of freeing the Israelites in the first place. It allowed him to never forget where his true power lay. To remind yourself of the importance of maintaining your humility—even after being handpicked for a task by the Lord—cling to these words: “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:11 (ESV)
Today, turn your blues to blessings by acting on God’s words to you.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
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