Embracing Our Inadequacy: The Key to Divine Empowerment

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Verses:Judges 6:14-16 - "And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house. And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man."

When God commissions us for a task, it's natural to feel overwhelmed by our own inadequacy. This is precisely what happened to Gideon when God called him to lead the Israelites against the Midianites. Gideon's response is a humble acknowledgment of his limitations: "Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house."

Gideon's words reveal a profound understanding of his own insufficiency. He recognizes that his family background and social status are not sufficient to qualify him for the task at hand. This realization is a crucial step in embracing our inadequacy and acknowledging our need for divine empowerment.

In response to Gideon's humility, God promises to be with him, assuring him that he will defeat the Midianites as if they were just one person. This promise is not just a reassurance, but a prophecy of what would surely happen. God's word to His servants is not just a promise, but a declaration of what He will accomplish through them.

This exchange between God and Gideon highlights a fundamental principle of divine empowerment: it is only when we come to realize our need for a different capacity to do God's work that God begins His work in us. This internal exchange of divine capacity happens when we acknowledge our inadequacy and surrender to God's power.

As we reflect on Gideon's story, may we be encouraged to acknowledge our own inadequacy and surrender to God's power. May we recognize that our limitations are not a hindrance to God's work, but rather an opportunity for Him to demonstrate His strength and power.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, help us to acknowledge our inadequacy and surrender to Your power. May we recognize that our limitations are not a hindrance to Your work, but rather an opportunity for You to demonstrate Your strength and power. Empower us to trust in Your promises and to walk in obedience to Your word. Amen.

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