With the strength you have

Strength is an important thing. Sometimes you don't recognize its importance until you need it. When we recognize that we need it, and we don't have it, often that motivates us to do something to gain more of it. To accomplish something new, or something great, we need strength. Obviously all of us have some level of physical strength (and some of us, my self included, need to increase that area). There are points, however, where we need to accomplish something and we do not have the strength, determination, ability, or even the understanding to get it accomplished. At those times in life, what is the best action to take?

Some might be tempted to sit and wait for God to drop on us everything that we need to see it take place. Others might get up and go after it - all in their own ability.

Today I was reading in Judges and came across the familiar story of Gideon. In Judges 6:14, as the Angel of the Lord is speaking to Gideon, he tells Gideon to "Go with the strength you have and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you." (nlt)

Gideon was called by God to do something new - something that would not come easy. Isnt it easy in life to focus on everything that we lack, instead of looking to what God has already given us. I have learned a simple truth in life: God will never call us to do something that He will not also equip us for. Even though Gideon felt insignificant (see Judges 6:1-27), God told him to go in the strength that he had. And then He reminded Gideon, "I am sending you."

You may feel like what you have is not enough to accomplish all that God has called you to. Maybe there is a dream in your heart that has not been fulfilled. Maybe you have been sitting on the sidelines, waiting for God to give you everything you think you need before you can jump in the game. I think it is important for each of us to remember that when we are called by God to step out, we need to go in what He has given us (the strength that we have) and in what He has told us (that He will be with us).

As the story unfolds, Gideon accomplishes great things. These great feats would not have been accomplished if he would have not walked away from the wine press with the strength he had, and the confidence that followed by knowing that it was God who was calling him to it.

Don't sit. Don't doub't. Take what He has already given you, and go.