Judges 6:12 The angel of God appeared to him and said, “God is with you, O mighty warrior!”

The Israelites had this “love-hate” relationship with God. When things were going well, they forgot Him and started serving other gods. Then the Lord withdrew His blessing, and the people suffered again. Only when they admitted their mistake and turned back to God did He send a saviour.

This time it was the farmer, Gideon. He was busy threshing wheat in a winepress, so that the enemy would not see it and come and take it from him. Here, the Angel of the Lord met him and told him that he was a strong man, with the instruction that he was the one who would lead the people out of their trouble.

Gideon was not completely convinced. First, he questioned God’s being with the people because he saw no miracles, and the situation seemed very bad. Then he questioned his own status, because his family was among the poorest in Israel.

God simply answered him, “I will be with you.”

This story reveals a beautiful truth about God: He meets us where we hide. When life becomes entirely too much to bear, that is precisely where He shows up. Even if we don’t feel up to the pressure of life, it is not our own strength that carries us, but God who gives it.

It’s easy to feel a bit ashamed of Gideon’s reaction when he questioned if God was even still with them. Yet, God didn’t scold him. Instead, He invited him closer. We, too, can speak our minds openly to God, knowing He always responds with grace.

Gideon’s main problem was not the enemy, but his self-image. Maybe also fear, which is understandable, because the enemy seemed overwhelming. Therefore, God promised that He Himself would accompany him. And when God was involved, no army could defeat them.

Maybe we also need to look at ourselves differently. Yes, the reality around us can make us feel small and insecure, but if we realise that we are children of the Almighty King, nothing needs to overwhelm us.

Therefore, take this promise with you today: God will be with you.

Prayer
Father, I really need You today …

Questions
Where do I currently feel small or inadequate to face what lies ahead?
Do I truly believe that God is with me, even when I don’t feel it?
What is stopping me from getting up and doing what God is calling me to do?

Do this now
Name one area today where you feel afraid or unsure.
Say out loud to yourself, “God is with me,” especially when fear threatens to overwhelm you.
Take one action in that area that you’ve been putting off, and trust that God will walk with you in it.