How To Be Used By God

Last night our Bible class studied the inspiring story of Gideon recorded in Judges 6-7.

Gideon was a farmer who enjoyed farming. He had no political ambitions. No leadership aspirations. No dreams of greatness. He was not from a high social class. He was the youngest of his family. And just trying to make a living.

But God had different plans for Gideon.

Israel had turned their back on God. Again. The Midianites had dominated Israel, ravaged the land, and left the people impoverished. Gideon wondered, “If the Lord is with us, why is this happening to us?”

When God called Gideon to lead Israel against the foe, he didn’t think he was the man for the job. But God knew Gideon better than he knew himself. He said, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!” But Gideon didn’t feel mighty. Or like a man of valor. In fact, the text reveals that he felt defeated. Discouraged. And doubting.

But after God confirmed his presence and his power in a miraculous manner, Gideon’s faith began to grow. He torn down the altar of Baal. Built an altar to God. Obeyed the voice of God. And ultimately led Israel to an incredible victory over a superior enemy.

I like Gideon because he’s an inspiration to the common man. To me. And to you. His success was not because of any inherent greatness on his part, but due to God’s greatness, power and presence.

Gideon reminds us that God has a purpose for our lives. That we can be used by God to glorify Him in ways we never imagined and for opportunities that we never believed were possible for us.

Whether you are a farmer or a pharmacist. A factory worker or a physician. A truck driver or a teacher. God can use you. In a position you may never have dreamed of occupying.

There is a potential within all of us to achieve something special for God. We may not see it. But God does. We need to be willing to be used by God. Changed for God. And to get out of our comfort zone for God.

Like Gideon, we may look at the world around us and wonder, “Where is God?” “What is He doing?” “Why am I suffering?” “And why is evil abounding?”

Yet, it may that God wants to use you too in some unique way to make a difference. To stand for truth. To stand against the enemy. And to stand up for God. To make an impact in your little corner of the world.

Here’s a few additional thoughts and applications from Gideon’s story.

#1 Tough times may be God’s way to prepare you for greater service. Learn to accept them. Learn from them. See how they can help you grow. And always know God is there for you in your darkest hour.

#2 Be patient with the process. God is. Gideon had his doubts. But he was willing to learn, to listen, and to grow his faith. Are you?

#3 Spiritual success is achieved by God’s power, not ours. Gideon’s army was too large. God cut it down from 23,000 to 300 to prove His strength, might and majesty. God can use small numbers, small churches, and common folks do great things.

Do you have the attitude, the commitment, the patience, the will and the desire to work through the process? To know His purpose for you? Are you, like Gideon, willing to be used by God?

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman