The Great Enabler

Do you ever feel like you're not up to the task in front of you? If so you're not the only one. Sometimes we get an assignment or an opportunity that will lead us into unfamiliar territory. The more courageous among us will see it as a time of stretching, a learning experience. Even so that still doesn't ease the apprehension that is often there.

The Bible tells us of a man named Gideon. He and his people were suffering oppression at the hands of their enemies to the point that their land was all but ruined.  Food was scarce and Gideon was beating out the wheat he had hidden away for fear the enemy would come and take it from him.  As he was engaged in this task, the Bible tells us that an angel came to him with this greeting," The Lord is with you valiant warrior."  The angel went on to say that Gideon would lead Israel's army to throw off the oppressors and restore Israel to security.  

Now, Gideon felt like any thing but a valiant warrior. He didn't quite see this as a "learning experience," or a "time of stretching."  He hesitated and discussed back and forth with the angel as to the why and how of the situation, but finally God showed Gideon that He would enable him beyond his own ability for this task, and that he could be fully assured that God would be with him in all of it.  This promise to Gideon is a great promise to us as well.

God, in the Person of Jesus Christ, has also promised to be with us in all we do and wherever we may go.  He will forgive our sins and by His Holy Spirit take up residence within our very souls, giving us great assurance for all of life.
So when Gideon believed God and stepped in faith to obey Him, he became that valiant warrior that God had seen and determined to make out of him. He was able to accomplish the task God had called him to accomplish and God gave him great success, in spite of Gideon's initial hesitation.  We can do the same, because it is the same God Who enabled Gideon Who calls us to the task before us in our time. We must do what Gideon did, which is to believe God's word and step out in faithful obedience.

Trust Christ today, for the forgiveness of sins. His forgiving, comforting Presence will become your great enabler and constant companion.  You will be able to face the challenges life certainly brings with the assurance of being in the good, acceptable and perfect will of God.  This is not to say we will never experience hardship or sorrows, none of us are exempt from them, but Christ will enable us to do what we need to do, supplying all the power and grace we need to do it!