Transitioning From A Worrier To A Warrior

 

COVID-19. That’s all I have to say before fear and anxiety skyrockets, at least in this struggling heart of mine. The waves of doubt and fear fluctuate just like the number of cases that go up or down every day.

Monark is upon us. And this year will be different. I am aware of that and honestly I have been afraid of it somewhat. And I know that others are too. But I felt like God gave me something this morning that might lift our spirits and help us trust Him for the Monark campmeeting. 

I opened my bible and flipped through some pages and found the story of Gideon. 

The chapter starts off with Midian oppressing Israel due to the Israelites disobedience. Then Gideon comes into the story. As I read through the next few chapters, I felt like Gideon was kinda like me. He had the desire to follow God and trust him but he battled with worry. And questioned the Angel of the Lord saying, “Why then has all this happened to us?” and “The Lord has forsaken us..” I’ve asked that a few times in the last 5 or 6 months of this pandemic. “Why, Lord? Where are you?” And I think if I had a chance to talk to an angel, I would be asking him the same questions that Gideon asked. 

 Also, through this part, the angel encourages Gideon with words of affirmation. Such as calling him “mighty man of valor” and encouraging him by saying, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel...” And in response to this, Gideon says, “How can I serve Israel? My clan is the weakest and I’m the least in my father’s house.” Ah. There’s a feeling that we’ve all experienced. Insecurity. I’ve also felt insecure in these uncertain times. Wondering if I am able to handle what’s been given to all of us, at least in the right attitude. I’m just being honest here.  I’ve told the Lord before that I just can’t do this. And it’s not just been COVID that has been a battle. It’s been the devil as a whole. And I’ve fought him harder than I ever have lately. So I understand Gideon’s insecurity in him feeling inadequate to follow the path that’s been handed to him. 

And the Lord’s response to Gideon is what we all need to listen to in our lives. 

“And the Lord said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.””

‭‭Judges‬ ‭6:16‬ ‭(ESV‬‬)

But God. 

I’ve been worrying about going out or even going to Monark. Just like Gideon was getting all worked up about what God wanted him to do. And the Lord is telling us, “Yes. Alone you can’t do it. BUT. I will be with you.” And he makes up the difference. 

Gideon doesn’t stop there though. He wants a sign. 

God then commands Gideon to destroy the altar of Baal. And tells him to not be afraid for he won’t die. And Gideon goes not in the day time but at night because he was afraid of getting caught. Again Gideon was fearful. As the story goes on, little by little God changes Gideon and takes many people that were with Gideon to fight. God sometimes strips away what is most comforting to us and what we feel like we need to overcome the battles in life, in order to prove his power and that all we need is Him to survive. 

In verse ten of the seventh chapter, the Lord tells Gideon to go to the camp of the people he will be fighting against. And he tells Gideon that if he’s afraid, he can take his servant to go with him. And Gideon did. 

This spoke to my heart that God cares about our fears and supplies help and people for encouragement when we are afraid. Thank God for family and friends! <3 

In the end, Gideon and his people defeat Midian. Just like God said he would. And he tells the people, “ I will not rule over you. And my son will not rule over you. The Lord will rule over you.” He didn’t take any credit for what he did. He directed it towards God. Little by little, God changed a worrier to a warrior and I want that same transformation in me. I want to trust God even in the uncertainty and things that He asks for me to do. And it’s also one thing to say you trust God but it’s another thing to truly take action in trusting him for whatever comes and happens in my life. So with the Bible in my hand and a sword to smite the devil with, I’ll be walking up and down the grounds of Monark to enjoy fellowship and listen to the word of God that will be preached ;) And I will also be carrying those things for the days after Monark. 

I hope this encouraged some of you. Remember that God is with us and He won’t fail us!