Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
“Lord, Help”
Faith and fighting – Another loss, another tragedy, another challenge. Yes, I understand when life seems to tear at your heart, it seems that the death angel is knocking at your door. Thus, how can you stand when you really want to throw the towel in the ring? First of all, more than you or I can count, this is the mindset of many during trouble. When the world around you becomes so impoverished, troublesome, and sorrowful, they wish to give up. But today, I say, “Do not give up.” Fighting for strength is a movement toward your victory. Call out, “Lord, help.”
“Calm the Storm”
Calm the storm. Bring it to a whisper. Still the waves. Peace be still! Your wish is for darkness of the night? Yes, in that space, you feel hidden from the world. Thoughts of despair bring you more misery. That is because that is the purpose of darkness. It is to occupy the mindset in stillness! To cause you immobility. On the other hand, it is only temporary. Joy can come in your morning. It takes a move, one step at a time. Within hours, physically, night turns into another day that you must encounter. You awake to take breaths again. Breathe in and exhale this moment.
Healing Brokenness
Today, right now, I speak a space where the brokenness can heal. There is only one who can change your rivers, your storms into dry places. Let Him in. The dry places can then turn into fields of springs that nourish the soul. You are worth it to Him. God wants your cause (wastelands) to become fruitful places. Yes, you need His strength to fight the storm and change course of the winds. You are in a test of trust!
Tested Character in a Fight
Tests are not meant to make you feel great. Tests are stressful. They are evasive. Perhaps, an intrusion for you. Your coach is one who is very familiar with tests; in fact, He designed them for our growth. What now?
In a fight, it is about character. While physical strength is important in the natural world, it is character that gives victory. As an example, Gideon, is one who lived in a time of oppression of his people (Judges 6). Gideon did not choose this battle. Like Jonah, it was God’s choosing of a human for God’s glory. “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!” Those were the words of God’s angel to Gideon (verse 12).
If You Are God
Gideon wanted proof that this was God’s assignment for his life. In fact, he asked, if the Lord is with us, then why are we going through these troubles? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, He is a deliverer of the people.
Imagine the shock to Gideon. Here in a place, hiding out, as not to be seen, yet Gideon is an answer to Israel’s plight. Why Gideon? Why not Gideon? More pointedly, God’s choice is His to make because all creation is His.
Where’s the Beef?
Do you remember that popular beef commercial – Where’s the beef? Gideon asked God to show him signs of this calling. Afterall, a wise person does not enter into battle without considering the cost. Contrast, the character of Jonah (Jonah 1) and Gideon about God’s assignment. Because of individuality, their responses to God’s assignment did differ. Jonah’s response landed him in the belly of a great fish. Whereas Gideon’s was a request of show me “the beef.” Show me that You are with me.
“Fight for me in the storm, Dear God. Lord, help.”
God already knows your emotions. You cannot hide what you feel from Him. Oppression, sorrow, trouble, and uncontrollable events are a part of life. You do not always feel strong, bold, and beautiful. Events can rock your world. God’s faithfulness is far above the clouds. Like Gideon, you have questions. I pray that God lift you out of your storm and His glory make you shine. Is this what you desire?
Enjoy the following blog posts for sharing and believing:
If you have an interest in reading more lessons about Gideon, checkout 7 Powerful Lessons from the Story of Gideon by Dr. Corine Williams.