One of the things that amazes me about God is that He’s in the habit of choosing the least likely people to accomplish great things for His Kingdom. He chose Abraham, a liar, to become the father of faith. He chose Moses, a murderer, to lead the nation of Israel out of Egyptian slavery. He chose David, an adulterer, to become king of Israel. He chose a peasant girl to give birth to Jesus Christ. God doesn’t call qualified people. Instead, He qualifies those He calls. Interestingly, God often uses a problem as the vehicle to launch us into purpose.
In Judges 6:11-16, an angel appears to Gideon who was threshing wheat by a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. God had delivered the Israelites into the hands of the Midianites because of their disobedience. In the midst of difficult circumstances, God called Gideon to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites.
The angel said, “The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valor” (Judges 6:12). Gideon complained he didn’t have the qualifications to deliver Israel. He thought so little of himself that he couldn’t picture himself accomplishing anything so great. Gideon had no idea who he was. His past had shaped his identity. God spoke into Gideon’s life to change his self-perception. Self-perception is the way you see yourself. It colors the way you see others, the world and God. God desires to change the way you see yourself, your situation, and reveal who He is and what you can do through Him in spite of your beginnings and present circumstances.
As a matter of fact, you are not who you think you are. You are not who others say you are. But you are everything God says you are. However, life can cloud and distort how you see yourself and God’s design for your life. God hasn’t called you to be mediocre. He calls you to greatness. He didn’t call you to just get by or get over. He calls you into something eyes haven’t seen nor have ears heard. The plans God has for you are greater than you can imagine!
The key to Gideon’s success is found in Judges 6:12. Gideon could do what God called him to do because the Lord was with him. Gideon saw himself as insignificant, poor and powerless. But the angel called Gideon a mighty man of valor. Valor means strength, efficiency, wealth, ability, leader of the army. He didn’t see Gideon as he was, rather He saw him for the great leader He knew he would become.
God’s purpose for your life can’t be hindered by circumstances, your weaknesses, limitations, mistakes or failures. God is calling you into a new identity. When you belong to Christ, your past no longer defines who you are or what you can become. Like Gideon, God uses a problem to birth the greatness in you. He sees your possibilities through His power. The very thing you run and hide from is the very thing God has empowered you to overcome. Not only has God spoken a word over your life, you are a Word spoken out of the mouth of God. And God’s Word never returns to Him void. It’s time to surrender your old identify and enter into all God has for you!
Be blessed! Until Next Time…
Rev. Cynthia Jackson
Rhema Inspirations
Rev. Cynthia Jackson is the administrator of the Rhema4U Blog and Innovations Ministries Director. Rev. Jackson is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was licensed and ordained under the tutelage of Bishop David G. Evans. She is an associate minister at Bethany Baptist Church located in Lindenwold, New Jersey. Rev. Jackson founded Innovations Ministries in 2001. Innovations Ministries provides dynamic and innovative programs and services for individuals and families dealing with various health-related issues. She is a gifted teacher, preacher, conference speaker and writer. God has anointed Rev. Jackson to be a spiritual midwife with a passion to empower others to birth God's vision for their lives. Rev. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Management from Eastern University, a Master of Science Degree in Health Administration from Saint Joseph's University and a Master of Science Degree in Christian Counseling from Cairn University.
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