He’s Starting With You
There was a time when the children of Israel were being severely oppressed. They would plant their crops, working hard to prepare for a harvest. However, when that harvest came, foreign nations would come in and take everything they planted. The Bible says, “they were greatly impoverished.” Eventually, they cried out to the Lord for help. The Lord began to answer their prayers by using Gideon to help with their deliverance and breakthrough. In the same way, any problem you or others may face, the Lord wants to start with you to turn things around.
First Step: Your Identity
When the Lord made His first appearance to Gideon, He revealed to Gideon his identity and that he was not alone. It says in Judges 6:12, “And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, 'The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!’” Gideon’s self esteem was low and he identified himself as being the “least” in his family. The Lord understood in order to bring deliverance to Israel he had to first build up Gideon’s confidence.
Like Gideon, the Lord is building up your morale. You are His masterpiece and you have breakthrough power. By the leading of the Holy Spirit who is with you, you’re being led to win over every circumstance. Get ready to see the change you desire.
Second Step: The Assignment
In this same encounter, Gideon begins highlighting his present reality. In spite of Gideon’s outlook, the Lord continues to build his self esteem by showing him the assignment He has for him. “Then the Lord turned to him and said, ‘Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you’” (Judges 6:14)? The Lord was reaffirming that he would be able to accomplish this task because He is with him.
Similarly, the Lord is with you, to accomplish the assignment that He has for you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Though you may face various adversaries to discourage you, strengthen yourself in Him. Reminding yourself that God is with you and no man will be able to stand against you as you complete the task He has given you.
Final Step: Accept it
Eventually, Gideon receives everything the Lord tells him and ended the encounter with an offering and worship. I want to encourage you to receive this encouraging word and give Jesus an offering of praise and thanksgiving. Walk by faith and worship Him because you are not a statistic. You have been born with a purpose and with His grace you will fulfill the assignment of the Lord.
