Waiting Patiently

Waiting Patiently Judges 6:14-17 In the 6th chapter of Judges, we find an angel of the Lord sitting with Gideon under an oak tree. This chapter is very intriguing as the two engage in conversation. The Lord’s Angel: “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?" Gideon: But Lord, “how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh and I am the least in my family.” The Lord’s Angel: “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together.” Gideon: “If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me. Please do not go away until I come back and bring my offering and set it before you.” The Lord’s Angel: “I will wait until you return” Isn’t it funny how thousands of years later, we often find ourselves in the same predicament as Gideon? We doubt the plan and purpose that God has ordained for us. Just as the messenger of God spoke to Gideon and stayed with him until he felt confident enough to walk in it, we too have a messenger within us (The Holy Spirit) that constantly encourages us to walk in our God-given assignments. The longer we delay our call to do God’s work, the longer we struggle through life, not realizing His complete blessings. In Gideon’s case, he felt weak and powerless to walk in His purpose. What Gideon soon found out was that God’s spoken declaration over Him, would be manifested and he would become the “mighty warrior” that he was designed to be. A “mighty warrior is a far cry from “weak and least”. The two descriptions are absolute opposites and cannot exist in the same space. God's command to Gideon was to Go and Strike! Before you know it Gideon was leading his men, commanding them "do exactly as I do", all because he began to walk in his purpose! He went from being least to being a leader and so can you!  Is God calling you to be the next teacher, business owner or inventor? Are you feeling an urge to start a nonprofit organization or go on a mission trip? Will you answer the call? Will you meet with God and allow Him to remind you of who he created you to be, not what society has labeled you. He’s waiting patiently on you! My prayer: Father, your people are stuck in an identity crisis. Now more than ever, we need change, we need to be reminded of who you created us to be. Lord so often we get comfortable and conform to what man wants from us, forgetting that you made us to be so much more. Lord, please give us those gentle reminders that we so necessarily need. Your words encourage and spring forth life within us. We cannot make it without you. Touch our mind and our heart and help us to glorify you by living out your word. We love you! In Jesus name. Amen! Much Love, Mrs. Misenheimer