TODAY’S WORD FOR FRIDAY JUNE 12, 2015.
USEFULNESS
Having a practical function, purpose or effect; worthwhile; helpful and serving some purpose; productive.
And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said, the Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valor. Judges 6:12.
In this passage of scripture (Judges 6), the angel of the Lord called Gideon a mighty man of valor and then told him to deliver Israel out of the hand of Median.
The definition of valor used in this verse is boldness or determination to face great danger in a battle with courage and bravery. Gideon did not feel he was a man of valor. He responded to God by reminding Him that his family was poor and he was the least in his father’s house. His families, along with the other Israelites, were being oppressed by the Midianites who far out-numbered them. The Midianites destroyed their crops and their cattle and kept the Israelites, including the family of Gideon living in fear and poverty. The Israelites certainly did not feel they could be useful.
The Midianites were so strong and so oppressive that the Israelites had to hide out in mountain cliffs. It is no wonder that Gideon was fearful and felt inadequate and useless. As he began to realize that maybe God was really calling him for this task, he then asked God for signs to confirm God’s will and empowerment. Gideon received the signs and soon put his full trust in God and was given the victory that God had promised him.
The account of how God used Gideon and an army of only 300 men with a victory over a vast army is given to us in Judges Chapter 7. Gideon and his small army could never have defeated the Midianites in their own strength. Because of Gideon’s obedience to God, God caused the Midianites to turn on each other. In a miraculous victory, God demonstrated to Israel that victory depends not on strength or numbers, but on obedience and commitment to the Lord.
Just like Gideon we most often doubt our abilities and seem to ignore our potential. We look at projects that confront us from our point of view and seemingly forget what God can do through us. When you question your usefulness, never doubt what God can do through you. Gideon’s God is the same God we serve today. In God’s sight we are all useful to Him if we are willing to obey and submit to His will.
Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalm 23:1.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Thank You Lord, that You can make me useful in all that I do for You if I put my complete trust in You. Help me to submit all that I have to You and then resist the devil in all that I attempt to do for You.
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