The Lord turned to him (Gideon) and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” Judges 6:14
I often feel that I am not enough. It seems I often don’t have all the right knowledge, skills, or experience to handle a situation. I don’t have enough insight as a parent to know how to raise my kids well. I lack the self-confidence and discipline of an effective leader. I don’t possess the depth of selfless love to be the husband my wife needs. There is regularly some fault or lack in my life that causes me to fall short in what I need to meet my daily circumstances. I will never be enough on my own. But, God never intended that I do life that way.
The Book of Judges tells the story of a man who knew he was not enough. Gideon was a simple man, living a hard life, when he experienced God’s intervention through an angel. God pronounced Gideon a “mighty warrior” and directed him to lead Israel against the occupying army of Midian. Gideon’s response to God was “I am not enough” to do what you have asked me to do. God’s response to Gideon was powerful; “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”. God told Gideon to use what he had and that He would make up the rest. Gideon plus God saved Israel, and God did it in such a crazy way that He received the glory for the victory.
I am a Gideon. God is careful to make sure I cannot do life solo, that I will be dependent on Him in every situation. A life centered around me plus God brings glory to my heavenly Father if it is done right. There seems to be a presence of peace regardless of current events. It is rich and full and never lacks a sense of meaning. This is the life to which He has called me. There is at times anxiety that I will not possess in myself all I need in all situations; I like control. However, when I am in a constant state of dependence God is very real and not a distant deity. I would rather be dependent on the God of the Universe to make me enough for the challenges of life than in my own abilities.
