I'm a Little Gideon

Hi, I’m JLin and I’m a little Gideon. 

If you know anything about that Bible story it’s not exactly a compliment. In Judges 6, Gideon questions God five times before he does what God is asking him to do. I like this story because I don’t think Gideon was doubtful because he didn’t think God could do it. . .he was doubtful because he didn’t think he could do it. He came from the weakest tribe of Manasseh AND he was the least in his entire family; but in the end he trusted God and he went with the strength he had and he was victorious. 

Which brings us back to me. I’m a little Gideon, I believe God will do what He says He will. . .it’s just sometimes I have a hard time believing he wants to use me to do it. 

I choose to do a Bible study on Evangelism and it challenged me. Reaching out to people who are not saved is a big part of Evangelism but I also feel it is very important to love on those who already believe as well. In Matthew Chapter 5 verses 14 to 16 it says, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Notice it does not say, “let your light shine only before unbelievers.” No, you are the light of the world—that’s everyone.

But why do we need to be a light for believers? As Christians, we go through “deserts” in our lives, dry seasons. This is where we struggle and maybe have a hard time keeping our eyes on Jesus instead of the waves of turmoil in our life. In Matthew chapter 14, Jesus is walking on the water during a raging storm and Peter asks if he can go to him. Jesus called him out of the boat onto the water. Peter kept his eyes on Jesus and he actually walked on water! But what happened when Peter took his eyes off of Jesus? And noticed the wind and the waves? He started to sink. But then he called out to Jesus and immediately Jesus pulled Peter back up. Even, believers need help sometimes. 

God has called me to write encouragement cards and so far, most of my cards have been sent to women who I know follow Jesus; but maybe they are going through a desert I don’t know about. A lot of prayer goes into this.

I have written 19 of these cards so far this year and not one of them has been the same but it is a complete test of faith each and every time. As I’m writing I’ll doubt and ask questions like, “God, I haven’t really spoken to her lately, are you sure I’m not going to sound like a creepy stalker by saying how awesome I think she is?”

I’m a little Gideon! Since starting these cards, He has given me lots of confirmations to encourage me I am in His will and doing exactly what He has called me to do. I have gotten these confirmations both through His Word and from some of the women I’ve sent the cards too.

Now, there are still times when I don’t feel qualified to do God’s will but He is incredibly patient and gently encourages me. 

So if you are at a point right now, where you think God maybe might possibly be asking you to do something and you are thinking, “God, I can’t do that.” I’m here to encourage you that “yes you can!” Deuteronomy 31:8 tells us, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Nothing surprises God. If you still aren’t positive God is calling you, be like Gideon!  It’s okay to ask for confirmation and it’s okay to ask for it more than once! 

If you only remember one thing from what I say today remember this: *God loves you, He knows you and he still wants to use you.* There are certain people on earth that only you can reach, of course it is only by God’s grace that anyone is saved, but he uses us to plant the seeds that he will grow, just like in 1 Corinthians 3:6 when Paul says, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” God has included us in His plan.

God has called me—and you are reading this so I think he’s calling you too—to be the salt and light of this world. His city on the hill. So what are you waiting for?

Get out of the boat, keep your eyes on Jesus, and shine bright, my friends. 

~This post has been adapted from it's original format. JLin wrote this as a speech for a women's Bible study group on April 16th, 2015. She has slightly changed the wording so it makes sense for this online audience.