Good morning, Lord Jesus. I welcome You into my heart and every moment of my day.
"The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, 'The Lord is with you, you mighty warrior'" (Judges 6:16).
Gideon saw himself with the eyes of his present circumstances, but You saw him with the eyes of heaven (v. 11-13). Gideon spoke out of his pain and disappointment and fear, but You spoke to him with words of his calling and identity and destiny. Gideon wanted to murmur and complain about all that You weren't doing, but You came to commission him and empower him to go be a part of what You were doing. And when Gideon was afraid he could never fulfill Your calling and plans for his life all on his own and all in his power, You assured him he would never have to: "Go in this might of yours and deliver Israel from the hand of Midian; I hereby commission you.... I will be with you" (Judges 6:14-16).
Jesus, You allowed Gideon to give ask his questions, to give voice to his concerns, and express his doubts. You even allowed him to set out a "fleece" to test the faithfulness of Your promises in all of his doubts and fears (v. 36-40). But at the same time, even in the midst of Gideon's reluctance and uncertainty, You gave him courage and faith, as You inspired him and empowered him. And when the time came for him to step out in faith and move forward in obedience, You possessed him with Your Spirit: "The Spirit of the Lord took possession of Gideon!" (v. 34)
You kept speaking to his spirit and confronting his fears each step of the way along the path of his destiny. And "he worshipped" You in response to Your guidance and hope, with Your assurance of Your presence through every he would face (v. 7:15). You gave him great victories for himself and for his people, fulfilling the promise of Your word (v. 8:28).
Gideon was no saint, and he still struggled with temptations and sin, even in the light of all You had done (v. 8:22-27). Yet in Your mercy and love, for him and his people, You moved mightily on their behalf. "The land had rest forty years in the days of Gideon" (v. 8:28).
Lord, You know I am no saint either and you know my struggles with temptations and sin. You know the times my doubts and fears try to hold me back from all You've created me to be and commissioned me to do. So I'm forever in need of my Savior. I'm forever in need of Your mercy and love. I'm forever in need of Your Spirit to possess me and inspire me and empower me. It's only in You that I can know my identity and fulfill my destiny. So I'm forever thankful that I am in You and You are in me (John 14:20 and 17:21; Romans 8:9-11). In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.