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Respite For the Weary
My three previous ABC posts are entitled: Stand Steady in His Strength, Totally Trust the Truth, and Understand His Unfailing Love. Today's post is: Victory Belongs to His Valiant Warrior.
Victory Belongs to His Valiant Warrior? Synopsis of Judges 13-16.
Long ago there was a man named Samson who was given rare and extreme physical strength. God intended Samson to use this mighty power to begin deliverance from the hand of the Philistines who had been oppressing the Israelites for 40 years. Samson did indeed kill many Philistines with his matchless strength, but his weakness, the desire of foreign women, kept him from being known as a valiant warrior for his people. As a matter of fact, Samson is most remembered for his tragic downfall which came through a woman named Delilah. Delilah betrayed Samson by telling his enemies the secret of his strength; as a result, his valiant victories as a warrior were no longer his to obtain...until one last redemptive act.
Victory Belongs to His Valiant Warrior! Synopsis of Judges 6, 7.
Another man named Gideon was also living during an oppressive time. The Israelites lived in constant dread of the Midianites' plunderous attacks. Gideon was so frightened by this raging army that he would thresh wheat in a wine press so that he would not be seen by them. Ironically, while Gideon was hiding in this place, the angel of the Lord approached Gideon and said, "The Lord is with you, O valiant warrior." God saw something in Gideon that Gideon himself was not yet aware of: courage. Gideon chose to trust God's perspective of him. This inexperienced young man humbly obeyed the Lord's instruction concerning leadership and battle strategy; as a result, Gideon soundly defeated the vast Midianite army with only 300 men. God's strength prevailed and victory belonged to His valiant warrior, Gideon.
When looking at Samson and Gideon, here are a few questions:
What are my greatest strengths? and weaknesses?
Do I realize that both my strengths and weaknesses can be used to bring God glory?
What is a way I can use my unique gift for the Lord today?
In the above passages, I see a paradox. Samson, full of strength and might, was made powerless by just one woman. Gideon, however, who was the least in his tribe and the youngest in his family, defeated a vast army of trained soldiers. Samson lost touch with his God-given gift and began using it for his own desires; in contrast, Gideon tapped into his "weakness" and kept the Lord as his Commander, trusting him to do great things.
Each one of us has been blessed uniquely. Let's seek to use our gifts for His glory only. He wants to do great things through you and me, but our gifts and abilities are mere avenues of revealing God's glory to people. Samson missed the point and was humbled; Gideon embraced the truth and was exalted. Fully trust, humbly obey, and then confidently march into your battle. (Also realize you will always have an enemy that fights against the progress of His glory). Victory belongs to HIS Valiant Warrior!
For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? The God who girds me with strength, and makes my way blameless? He makes my feet like hinds' feet, and sets me up on my high places. He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. Ps 18:31-34
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved--and that by God. Philippians 1:27-28
Dear Lord,
We thank you that whatever happens on this earth, good or evil, all believers in Christ have eternal salvation with you. Help us to stand firm "as one man" believing in this promise. You are the Victor over life, over death, over all. Amen.