The Deciding Factor
“And the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?” (Judges 6:14, ESV)
Have you ever worried that you will not be able to accomplish the things that God will call you to do for Him? For most Christians, the answer to this question is probably in the affirmative. Maybe you wouldn’t admit that, but feelings of inadequacy and insecurity are not all that uncommon to many of us. If you have felt inadequate or insecure in your abilities, join the club. However, did you know that God isn’t really all that concerned with your ability to do big things for Him? In fact, the story of God calling Gideon to pursue the Midianites, who had invaded and were oppressing Israel, serves as a profound reminder that God doesn’t need your ability. Maybe, it was never about your abilities in the first place. Maybe, it is all about His.
In Judges 6, we learn that the LORD had allowed the Midianites to oppress Israel after the Israelites chose to rebel against God in sin (Judges 6:1). The early verses of the chapter describe this oppression, ending with a solemn note for Israel in Judges 6:6: “And Israel was brought very low because of Midian. And the people of Israel cried out for help to the Lord.” In response to their cries, God sent a prophet to rebuke their disobedience (6:7-10). However, the LORD had also determined to save Israel from Midian.
When the angel of the LORD visited Gideon to call him to the task of saving Israel, we learn a few important things about Gideon. Gideon doubted God’s presence and faithfulness (6:13). Gideon doubted God’s plan and choice of him (6:15). Gideon doubted whether God was the One calling him at all (6:17-18). Even after Gideon understood that the angel of the LORD had called him (6:22), he was fearful (6:27). He even asked God to prove Himself, not once, but twice (6:36-40). With battle looming, Gideon still exhibited fear even though God had already confirmed that He was with him and had called him to the task (7:9-11).
The book of Judges does not hide the truth about Gideon. Gideon is anything but qualified, adequate, and secure. However, Gideon’s job was not to be qualified. He didn’t have to be adequate by human standards. He didn’t need to feel secure in his abilities. It was never about what he brought to the table. In fact, it was all about what God brought to the table. God was present and faithful (6:14). God had a plan and chose Gideon to be a part of that plan (6:16). God Himself called Gideon to the task (6:18-21). God graciously encouraged Gideon in his doubt and fear (6:38, 40; 7:9-11). This task had nothing to do with Gideon’s ability. It had everything to do with God’s ability.
Moreover, God even stacked the odds intentionally against Israel so that no one would mistake Israel’s coming victory as a product of their own doing. After the Israelite army had been assembled, God commanded Gideon to dwindle their numbers, not once, but twice (7:2-8). On paper, Israel didn’t stand a chance against the Midianites. The camp of Midian far outnumbered the Israelite forces. Judges 7:12 tells readers that “And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the people of the East lay along the valley like locusts in abundance, and their camels were without number, as the sand that is on the seashore in abundance.” Gideon ended up with a meager number of 300 men (7:8). But it was never about Israel’s numbers or strength. The deciding factor in this contest was that the sovereign God of Heaven was fighting for Israel. Despite Israel’s inability, the LORD was able. Therefore, the victory was theirs (7:19-25).
As He demonstrated to both Gideon and Israel, God doesn’t need us to accomplish His will. He doesn’t need our help, our abilities, or our strength. God will accomplish His plans. However, as He called Gideon, God can call us to play a part in His divine plans and purposes. While, like Gideon, we may feel inadequate or insecure in our abilities to carry out His plans, we must trust God with our feelings of fear and trepidation when He calls us. God is looking for your obedience, not your ability. We must remove the obstacle of hidden pride that convinces us that we are the deciding factor in God’s success. We aren’t. As the LORD showed the Israelites in Judges 6, He is.