Those words are meant to describe each one of us. Retired or student, homemaker or executive, tall or short, degree or GED – our personal accomplishments or lack thereof are not what qualify us as mighty warriors.
Gideon was a man of no acclaim. Society didn’t recognize him as someone who was most likely to succeed or lead in local government. In fact, his family was the least important in his village and he was the last son of the last son on his family tree.
The Israelites had been under attack from the Midianites. At harvest, the Midianites would sweep in and steal their wheat crop, leaving them to starve. But God…
Gideon was threshing wheat in a pit when the Lord came to him. He was trying to conceal his actions from the Midianites. He was hiding. Not quite the actions you would expect to be taken by a mighty man of valor.
“The Midianites took almost everything that belonged to the Israelites, and the Israelites begged the Lord for help…One day an angel from the Lord went to the town of Ophrah and sat down under the big tree that belonged to Joash, a member of the Abiezer clan. Joash’s son Gideon was nearby, threshing grain in a shallow pit, where he could not be seen by the Midianites. 12 The angel appeared and spoke to Gideon, ‘The Lord is helping you, and you are a strong warrior.’” Judges 6:6-12 CEV
The Father sees all of us where we are, looks at our hearts and calls us to be courageous. It’s not by our own efforts or talents but by His ability. He simply wants us to be available to do what He asks.
“ Gideon answered, ‘Please don’t take this wrong, but if the Lord is helping us, then why have all of these awful things happened? We’ve heard how the Lord performed miracles and rescued our ancestors from Egypt. But those things happened long ago. Now the Lord has abandoned us to the Midianites.’
14 Then the Lord himself said, “Gideon, you will be strong, because I am giving you the power to rescue Israel from the Midianites.'” Judges 6:13-14 CEV
Please note, the Lord didn’t chastise Gideon for asking questions. Instead, He reaffirmed His plan.
The Lord says the same thing to us.
“ Christ gives me the strength to face anything.” Philippians 4:13 CEV
“Nothing is impossible for God!” Luke 1:37 CEV
“ God’s Spirit doesn’t make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.” II Timothy 1:7 CEV
Whether you are putting on your work boots and jeans, or flip flops and shorts you are a mighty warrior. Our heavenly Father has called each of us to a specific purpose, He will not abandon or desert us.
Get going mighty warrior, face the day and let God provide you with power!