Is there a problem? Do you need answers? Is there a void? Are you waiting on God or someone else to fill it?
When things go wrong, when a situation gets messy and when we need a solution, we often ask “what is someone else going to do about it?” We are often intimidated by the situation; we assume we are too weak, too small, insignificant, inexperienced, and incapable. Amid tough circumstances, I wonder if we ever stop to think that perhaps we are that solution?
In the book of Judges when the Israelites were being oppressed by the Midianites, Gideon complained about how God had seemingly given up on them, he declared, “If the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the LORD has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.”
“Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you? ” (Judges 6:13-14)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5)
Gideon sounds much like us; when we get sick, we ask why us? When we go through a loss, we say where was God? When we see suffering, we wonder why God didn’t do anything. Interestingly enough in this passage, God responds to Gideon saying “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you? ”(Judges 6:13-14). PAUSE . I don’t think Gideon was expecting that. I’m sure he was expecting an easy response, one that wouldn’t involve him getting his hands dirty. However, God told him, “Why don’t you go? You see the issue that the Israelites are facing, why not allow me to use you to save them?”
Let me guess, the reason why you have not given to the poor is because you don’t have enough money, the reason why you have not started that business is because you don’t have enough knowledge, the reason why you have not joined that ministry is because you are not talented enough. There is always a “reason,” how about we stop finding reasons and start trusting in God to make pathways.
God’s plan will take place whether you choose to be a part of it or not. You must look beyond what your eyes can see and allow Him to utilize you. Stop waiting on a miracle, be one! As little as you are- as inexperienced, afraid, and incapable as you may be or feel- you can make a difference! There is room for God’s glory in your shortcomings. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).