Elevation Point Church Elevation Point Church

In Judges 6, Gideon, much like many of us, resorts to offering every conceivable excuse he can muster as to why he’s incapable of what God’s spoken. These excuses range from what he perceives as genuine and legitimate reasons as to why God must have chosen the wrong person. Have you ever found yourself in such a position? Perhaps feeling as though you're not the right fit for the task despite divine assurance? Gideon wrestles with these doubts when God approaches him, affirming, "Hey mighty warrior, you're going to defeat the Midianites." In response, Gideon protests, "Who, me? I'm just threshing wheat." Despite Gideon's protests, citing his past, his perceived inadequacies, and weaknesses, God persists in affirming, “I’m not finished with you yet.”

God assures us, "I shall provide assistance," thereby alleviating concerns regarding the solo navigation of life's intricacies. We don’t need to dwell on understanding every detail or confronting challenges in isolation; God pledges His support. Furthermore, He underscores, "I have summoned you!" What additional validation could one seek? His divine call and commitment to aid obliterate any doubts concerning one's capability or worthiness. With God as an ally, anxiety, fear, and apprehension about the future dissipate. Instead, confidence grows as we understand that God has intentionally chosen us.

What Are You Doing Here?

We sometimes find ourselves in situations that appeared utterly desolate. It could be that our marriage is struggling, or we’re grappling with financial worries such as how to make this month's mortgage payment, or perhaps we’re simply feeling unappreciated and taken advantage of. The intensity of those moments is often magnified by the devil's desire to dwell on the negative, reminding us of our pain and struggles. While it might be tempting to dismiss his words as lies, often they ring true—at least in the moment. Nevertheless, it's essential to remember that God always has the last word.

While Jesus entered into Jerusalem, He was continually thinking about others. However, He was also grieving. Not because He was dreading the cross, but because those around were missing the moment as it unfolded right before their eyes. They thought they understood, but they didn’t really understand. This happens often in life — we think we understand what Jesus is doing, but we don’t truly understand. We become distracted and surrounded by our desires and the opinions of others, all the while missing the supernatural moment that’s unfolding before our very eyes.

Mary and Martha held onto hope, believing for something miraculous: the preservation of their brother's life. Their faith was anchored in the conviction that Jesus would arrive in time to heal him. Throughout our lives, we encounter moments when it seems as though Jesus is delayed, when time runs out and our prayers appear unanswered. Yet, it's essential to recognize that even for Jesus Himself, there were moments of perceived lateness. Lazarus, a cherished friend, had succumbed to death, prompting Jesus to weep upon hearing the news. Despite His grief, Jesus understood the importance of trusting in God's perfect timing. He would have preferred Lazarus to be healed sooner, but He comprehended the necessity of divine timing—a lesson we too must embrace.