Introduction
Welcome, Illuminate Church family! Today, we continue our "Yes, You" series, focusing on how God uses the reluctant to accomplish His divine purposes. Through the story of Gideon, we explore how God sees potential in us even when we don't see it in ourselves. Let's dive in and discover how God can use each of us, regardless of our circumstances.
God Uses the Reluctant
Who Was Gideon?
Gideon was a man who felt overwhelmed and unequipped. He was hiding in a basement, preparing food to avoid enemy detection. Despite his dire circumstances, God saw him as a "mighty hero." This story is a powerful reminder that God often sees us differently than we see ourselves.
The Struggle of Seasons
We all go through difficult seasons—whether due to our own choices or the actions of others. These periods can make us feel unworthy or incapable of being used by God. Gideon felt this way, questioning why God had allowed such hardships to befall his people. Yet, God called him to lead and deliver Israel from their enemies.
The Divine Encounter
In Judges 6, an angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, calling him a "mighty hero" and assuring him that the Lord was with him. Despite Gideon's protests about his inadequacies, God reaffirmed His presence and purpose for Gideon. This encounter highlights the disconnect between how God sees us and how we see ourselves.
The Tension Between God's View and Our Self-Perception
God's Perspective
God sees us as mighty warriors, equipped for His purposes. He doesn't focus on our weaknesses but on the potential He has placed within us. Gideon saw himself as the least in his family, but God saw him as a leader and a deliverer.
Our Self-Perception
We often let our circumstances define us, believing that our struggles disqualify us from being used by God. However, God calls us to rise above these limitations and trust in His strength.
Karen McCreery's Testimony
A Journey from Reluctance to Purpose
Karen McCreary shared her powerful testimony of transformation. Like Gideon, she felt inadequate and overwhelmed by life's challenges. Diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and facing a crumbling marriage, Karen hit rock bottom. Yet, she found hope and purpose in God's promises.
Embracing God's Call
Karen's journey involved a deep spiritual, emotional, and physical healing process. She learned to see herself through God's eyes and embraced her calling to minister to others. Today, she leads Transform Health and Wellness, helping others find wholeness in spirit, soul, and body.
Life Application
Embrace Your Calling
God can use you, no matter how reluctant or unqualified you feel. Embrace His view of you as a mighty warrior, equipped for His purposes.
Reflect and Act
- Identify Your Struggles: What are the areas in your life where you feel inadequate or overwhelmed?
- Seek God's Perspective: How does God see you in these areas? What potential does He see in you?
- Take a Step of Faith: What is one step you can take this week to align with God's view of you and embrace your calling?
Questions for Reflection
1. In what areas of your life do you feel like Gideon, hiding and feeling inadequate?
2. How can you shift your perspective to see yourself as God sees you?
3. What steps can you take to embrace your calling and trust in God's strength?
Conclusion
God uses the reluctant, the overwhelmed, and the unequipped to accomplish His purposes. Just as He called Gideon a "mighty hero," He sees you as a mighty warrior, ready to fulfill His plans. Embrace this truth, take a step of faith, and watch how God can use you in powerful ways.
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