The angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, “The LORD is with you, O valiant warrior.”
Judges 6:12 (NASB)
It is nice to be appreciated by folk, isn’t it? It is especially nice when friends say nice things to us which are unexpected when we are feeling a bit down. There are times when I have wondered about the value of my service, only for Father God to send someone alongside me to encourage me. Those who know us see our life from a different angle, seeing strengths and positive attributes that the subject may not be aware of within themselves. This was the case for Gideon in today’s verse.
The Israelites had deserted God again for a life of evil serving other gods, and God sent the Midianites to punish them for their rebellion. In their distress, the Israelites called out to God and He had mercy on them again; thus He chose Gideon to be His chosen warrior to drive the Midianites away. What an awesome greeting the angel of the Lord had for young Gideon at the threshing floor, “The Lord is with you, O valiant warrior.” In his own human understanding, Gideon wasn’t either valiant or a warrior; he was busy hiding wheat from the Midianites and quietly making flour, and he was the youngest of his family – hardly a mighty warrior. But God looked at Gideon and saw a valiant warrior; He knew his abilities and what he would do for God.
Dear reader, do you feel downcast and unimportant in this world? Have courage child of God! Almighty God your Father sees you from Heaven, and He loves what He sees. Even in your weakness He sees what you can do by His strength in and through you. Gideon was obedient and surrendered to God’s will for his life, as unlikely as it seemed in human eyes…and he became the valiant warrior that God saw. What about you reader, will you surrender to His purpose for you today?
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Devotional Treasures
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