I Can Do All Things

Israel’s Cycle of Struggle and Why God Chose Gideon
The book of Judges records a dark and turbulent time in Israel’s history. After the death of Joshua, the Israelites fell into a repetitive cycle: they would forget God, worship idols, and fall into sin. As a result, God would allow enemy nations to oppress them. Then, in their desperation, they would cry out to Him for deliverance. In His mercy, God would raise up a judge—a leader empowered by His Spirit—to rescue them and restore order. Unfortunately, after each victory, Israel would eventually turn away from God again, and the cycle would repeat. By the time we reached Judges 6, Israel had been suffering under Midianite oppression for seven years. The Midianites were a fierce nomadic people who, along with their allies, would invade Israel during harvest season, destroying crops and livestock. This left the Israelites in a state of fear and poverty, hiding in caves and strongholds to survive.

It was in this desperate situation that God chose Gideon—an unlikely hero—to be Israel’s deliverer. Gideon was not a mighty warrior; in fact, he was hiding from the Midianites when God called him. Yet, God saw something in Gideon that Gideon did not see in himself. God was not looking for someone with military expertise or great influence—He was looking for someone who would obey Him, trust His power, and lead Israel back to faithfulness.

Gideon’s call reminds us that God does not choose people based on their credentials or personal strength. Instead, He chooses those who are willing, even if they feel inadequate. His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). The world may value status, experience, and confidence, but God values humility and reliance on Him. When He calls someone, He equips them and strengthens them for the mission ahead.

Just as Gideon had to overcome fear and doubt, we, too, may struggle with feeling unqualified or uncertain. But when God calls, He promises to be with us. His presence, not our ability, is what guarantees victory. This story reminds us that God often chooses the weak to accomplish His purposes so that His strength may be revealed.


God Calls The Unlikely
Gideon was an ordinary man with an unimpressive background. In fact, when God called him to lead Israel against the powerful Midianite army, Gideon immediately pointed out why he wasn’t qualified: “O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house” (Judges 6:15). But God wasn’t concerned with Gideon’s social status or personal doubts. He simply responded,

“Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man” (Judges 6:16).

Gideon’s reaction is something we can all relate to. When faced with a daunting task, our first instinct is often to focus on our inadequacies. We see our weaknesses, our lack of experience, and our past failures. But God sees beyond that. He knows that His strength will compensate for our deficiencies. He does not call the equipped; He equips the called. Despite his doubts, Gideon obeyed, but he still struggled with fear. He asked God for multiple signs of confirmation, first with the angel’s miraculous fire consuming his offering (Judges 6:21), then with the famous fleece test—first requesting dew only on the fleece and the ground dry, and then the reverse (Judges 6:36-40). God patiently reassured him each time, showing us that He understands our hesitations and works with us to strengthen our faith.

God specializes in calling those who feel unqualified. He chose David, the youngest of his brothers, to be king. He called Moses, a man with a speech impediment, to lead Israel out of Egypt. He called Mary, a young, unassuming woman, to bear the Savior of the world. Time and time again, God proves that His power is made perfect in our weakness. Just like Gideon, we may feel like the least qualified person for the task ahead. But God does not measure us by human standards. He measures us by our willingness to trust Him. When He calls us, He provides everything we need to fulfill His purpose.

Reflection:

• Have you ever felt unqualified for something God was calling you to do?
• What excuses do you find yourself making when faced with a challenge?
• In what ways has God reassured you when you doubted His calling?

God often chooses the least likely people so that His power is undeniable. Just as He assured Gideon, He assures us today: “I will be with you.”


Trusting God Over Numbers and Logic
Once Gideon accepted his mission, he gathered an army of 32,000 men. But God had a surprising plan—He told Gideon to reduce his army! First, those who were afraid were allowed to leave, and 22,000 soldiers walked away. Then, God instructed Gideon to reduce the army even further until only 300 men remained (Judges 7:3-7).

Why would God intentionally shrink the army? Because He wanted Israel to know that victory would not come from their own strength, but from His power. Human logic says that more soldiers mean a greater chance of victory, but God’s way often defies human reasoning. He wanted to ensure that when Israel won, they would recognize that it was by His hand alone.

God does not need numbers to secure victory. He does not require a large army, wealth, or human resources to accomplish His purposes. All He requires is faith and obedience. Gideon’s army of 300, though small, had something more powerful than any human force—God’s divine intervention.

Think about the times in your life when God has taken away something you relied on—a job, a relationship, a financial resource. Often, we feel lost when these things happen, but God may be positioning us to trust Him more fully. When our own resources run out, that is when His provision and power become most evident.

Like Gideon, we sometimes believe we need more—more support, more money, more confidence—to accomplish what God has called us to do. But God is teaching us that less can be more when He is in control. He reduces our dependence on worldly security so that we can fully depend on Him.

Reflection:

• When have you relied on your own strength instead of trusting God?
• What areas of your life is God calling you to surrender to Him?
• How can you remind yourself that God's power is greater than human logic?

God wants us to depend on Him completely. Sometimes, He removes our safety nets so we have no choice but to trust Him. When we do, we see His power in ways we never imagined.


God Fights for Us
As Gideon’s small army approached the enemy camp, they didn’t carry swords or shields. Instead, they held trumpets, torches, and clay jars. At Gideon’s signal, they blew their trumpets, broke the jars, and shouted:

“The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!” (Judges 7:20).

The Midianite soldiers were thrown into confusion, turning on each other in fear. By the time the battle was over, Israel had won—not by their own strength, but because God had fought for them. This victory is a reminder that our battles are not won by our own might but by God’s power. Whether we are facing spiritual warfare, a difficult decision, or an impossible situation, God is our defender.

Saying Yes to God’s Mission
Just like Gideon, we all have battles to fight—whether they’re external struggles like difficult relationships or internal struggles like fear, doubt, or insecurity. But the same God who empowered Gideon empowers us today. Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:13,

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

This verse isn’t about self-confidence, but Christ-confidence. It’s not about our abilities, but God’s power working through us. If God calls you to something, He will equip you for it. You don’t have to have all the answers or feel completely ready. God simply asks for a willing heart. Remember, He took Gideon, an insecure man from the weakest tribe, and made him into a victorious leader. He can do the same for you.

Action Step
This week, think of one area in your life where you feel weak or unqualified. Ask God to strengthen you and step forward in faith, knowing He is with you. Write down a declaration of trust, such as: “I trust that God is equipping me for His calling.” Repeat it daily as a reminder that His strength is enough.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that I don’t have to rely on my own strength. Just as You used Gideon, I know You can use me. Help me to trust You, even when I feel weak or unqualified. Give me faith to believe that You are with me in every battle. I surrender my fears and doubts to You and step forward in confidence, knowing that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. In the name of Jesus, Amen.