Reeling in the Realm

Lord, my plate is overflowing. Is this truly what You want me to do or did I leap before I looked? ...yes, I know everything lines up perfectly and I know that I sought You first, but Lord, I don't know that I can do this. The task is bigger than me, there's no way I can...

A couple weeks ago I taught a lesson to my Wednesday night church kids that started with some challenges for them. Challenges that had them saying, “Whaaaat? There's no way!” I just smiled and assured them there was. (Doesn't everyone know how to stick a balloon with a pin and not pop it? How about slicing a banana without peeling it?)

From there we set up for a tug-of-war game. I put all the big kids on one side and all the little kids on the other. For some reason they didn't think the odds were too even, so I adjusted things. I left the smallest boy to pull against all the big kids. I wish you could've seen their faces! They truly thought I was crazy that night. First those challenges, then a lopsided tug-of-war, but I was painting a picture for them. I'm not sure how much of the picture they brought home with them, but I know that the lesson I learned that night is still lingering with me. Really lingering with me--in fact, the lesson keeps leaping in front of me.

God gave Gideon a special job to do, and it left him reeling in the Realm of Overwhelmed. And while he was still reeling, God adjusted the odds even more. He sent home all of Gideon's warriors except for 300 of them. In the face of all those Midianites, 300 Israelites were hardly worth mentioning—which is probably exactly what God wanted. God was making a statement and He was using big, bold letters, leaving no doubt as to who the praise for the victory would belong to. Him, and Him alone.

Today, ok, to be honest with you, this whole week, I've been reeling in the Realm of Overwhelmed. Thing after thing has come up that has needed my attention and time. Doubt has lunged in and body slammed me, leaving me breathless and whining. (Ask my friends, they've witnessed my whining—not a pretty sight!) And through it all I kept hearing one question whispered in my heart. 'Remember Gideon?'

Yes, Lord, I remember Gideon. I remember the victory You claimed. This task You've given me is beyond me, Father. If there's any victory to be had, it will be Yours, because without You I'll never make it out of my tent, let alone out of my camp. Give me the courage to pick up this sword You've given me, the courage to shatter the jar hiding my torch and the will to shout with all my might 'A sword for the LORD!'

The Lord turned to him and said, 'Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?'
~Judges 6:14


This part of Gideon's story is found in Judges 6-7:22.

5 comments:

  1. Praying for you, Peej. I know you will overcome and be triumphant. Just keep doing what God wants you to do, no matter how crazy or irrational it seems to be. Love you incredibly much!

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  2. I love the story of Gideon...until I am put to the test. I think God just loves impossible situations, so that He can show his power to us. We have to say, "God..I can't do this! It's all up to YOU."

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  3. God deals in truth, and just your bringing your emotions in-line with the Truth will keep you safe and at peace. I'll be praying for His perfect discernment and leading of priorities.

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  4. Wow that is a really good scripture---inspiring that if God says we can, we can...I hope you are full of peace as this becomes real for you:)

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  5. I love the story of Gideon. There is so much life in it.
    God saw Him as the Valiant Warrior. He saw him in his true identity. But Gideon saw himself in his flesh...
    God was patient with him, calling him out until he believed....

    I love that story.

    Thanks for sharing.

    Julie

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