Releasing the Warrior from Within

What shakes you?  I mean losing your balance; knocked off your feet; down to the core kind of shaking?

Is it that phone call in the middle of the night?

The accident that happens seconds in front of you?

Turning around in a crowded mall only to lose sight of your toddler?

A deadly tornado heading your direction and all you have is a closet to hunker down in?

Or perhaps instability in your home, your community or even your nation?

Any one of these things can cause even the most steadfast to sway in the face of danger or uncertainty.  The good news is, we have an unshakable Savior who sees the bigger picture.

 

 A story is told of a young, would-be warrior threshing wheat in a winepress to keep hidden from an opposing army.

Ducking his head, eyes shifting two and fro for any sign of trouble, his heart pounded deep within his chest.

Without ne'er a sound, a stranger sat down under an oak tree nearby.  "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior," the man said with great authority and confidence.

I'm sure you can imagine Gideon's startle at the sound of the stranger's voice.   I picture the sinking expression upon his face as he looked up and over to where the man now stood. 

Hesitantly he spoke, "But sir, if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us?  Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about..." 

"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?"

I imagine Gideon sheepishly pulled himself out of the winepress and dusted off his tunic as he mulled over the man's words. 

Looking again at the man, he said, "But Lord...how can I save Israel?  My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family."

The LORD answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together." 
(paraphrase of Judges 6:11-16)


I will be with you...

Those words carry power.  God was asking a monumental task of a meager man, and it shook him to the core.  Yet, Gideon would not go it alone.  Whatever came his way...whatever circumstances he found himself in, God promised to go with him.  God saw something in Gideon that the young man could not see in himself.  He would become a mighty warrior for the Lord, and yet, here he was...hiding in a winepress.


So I ask you, where are you today?  Are you hiding away somewhere, afraid of what "might happen" or "might be?"  Remember, God has a plan in ALL things.  Don't let the enemy talk you out of living up to your God potential in total peace and spiritual freedom.  Whatever circumstances are bearing down on you at this moment, He sees the bigger picture in it all.  Trust Him.  He might just release the warrior within you.

Blessings,
Kristi  

"I have set the LORD always before me.  Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." 

Psalm 16:8