Sharing from the WORD

Hey everyone!

We're reading the Book of Judges this week, and one of my favorite stories from it is the story of Gideon, a man self-proclaimed as the the least son in the least clan in the tribe of Manasseh but called by God to lead Israel. One of Gideon's first lines in the book is this:

"Please, sir, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his wondering deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, 'Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?' But now the LORD has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian."

Judges 6:13b

This line has been one of the memorable lines of the Bible for me, because it so accurately reflects how I often question God. Like Gideon, I often ask why did this or that happen? Where were you, God?

God's answer is profoundly disturbing:

"Go in this might yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?"

Judges 6:14

This is when Gideon complains that he's the least of the least, but God's reply is simply "But I will be with you" (Judges 6:16). God tells us that--yes--he's in control, but he's not simply going to step in for us. He wants us to be his vessels for carrying out his work in this world, but don't worry; he'll be behind us every step of the way if we follow.

--Sam