Go In Your Power

This is the story of Gideon as found in the book of Judges. Not a great warrior, not a great leader, not someone with means. God picked someone no one else would have, and Gideon responded. One of my favorite stories, 1) because of the way the Angel addressed Gideon, 2) because of the way Gideon responded (if God is with us, what good is it?) and 3) the way God didn't answer him at all. Their country had suffered for so very long. An enemy army stood one million strong. They came every year. There were no reprieves from cave dwelling drifters, gypsies, and thieves. They traversed the desert like pirates on sand. When harvest would come, they’d ravage the land. Like spiders in a web devouring their prey, consuming whatever would stand in their way. Death and destruction would litter their wake, but that wasn’t all they had managed to break. The hopes of a nation, extinguished by fears. Autumn was coming, the battleground nears. Gideon was part of the lower class tribes, and least among them as the Bible describes. He did his own thing and no one could see, the champion inside him that one day would be. Then an Angel appeared from out of the blue, saying, “Hail man of valor. God is with you!” Gideon looked around as if he’d not heard. “What did you say? That’s completely absurd. If God were with us…” Gideon extolled, “Then why must we suffer? I have to be told. Why are we tortured with death and disease? Answer me that and I’ll bow to my knees.” The Angel responded ignoring his plea. “You have the power to go set them free!” For, God won’t respond to complaints about “Why?” His answer? Go change it, demanding we try. “But, I’m just a poor shepherd? What could I do?” The Angel said, “God sees a warrior in you.” So, Gideon accepted God’s challenge to fight. People would follow as he stood for what’s right. He placed a few men in the enemy’s way. He fooled the great army into running away. Oppression defeated without raising a sword. A victory of faith, a blessing from the Lord. Hunger? Go feed them! Sick? Find the cure! God gave us the ability to make it occur. No matter what troubles we find ourselves in, like Gideon, God gives us the courage to win. When the challenge of life has filled up your cup, listen for Angels to shout out, “Rise up!” You are the one who can open closed doors. Now Go, … save your country! The power is yours!