Suggested Bible Reading: Judges 6:11-7:25
Include– being part of the whole; contained; covered: to place in a class, category, or the like.
Exclude– to shut out from consideration, privilege: to prevent entrance.
🔴 Called to Greatness
Our talents define us; whether we are artists, educators, students, planners, or parents, we all have a unique talent; a gift that is one of our best attributes. So, why are we excluded?
When it comes to our talents, we are sensitive. We want recognition. If we are the “go-to” authority, we feel good about ourselves. There is nothing we can’t handle! We are unstoppable! *cue the inspirational music*
However, when this reign of power stops, and we are suddenly not the “IT” person, our self-esteem plummets, taking all the self-worth we built into our talent spiraling down. That doesn’t have to happen.
God showed Gideon how to weed out the army to conquer the Midianites.
(It is not my intent to take this story out of context, and I encourage you to read the book of Judges. It just happens to be one of my favorite passages, and each time I read it, I discover a new life application.)
How did God dwindle the army?
First came the simple question of: are you afraid? Judges 7:3 KJV The response was overwhelming; over half the soldiers departed. {Of what are you afraid? From where do your courage and strength come?}
Gideon was so fearful that he was threshing wheat in wine-press hiding from the Midianites. Judges 6:11 KJV An angel of the Lord came and addressed him as a mighty man of valor. Judges 6:12 KJV Gideon was hiding his food when the angel appeared yet; he was called mighty?!
The second test used to dwindle the size of the army came in the form of the posture. How did they drink? (Judges 7:4-8) The soldiers needed to be ready at all times, even when drinking water. Being at rest was not an option. So the included soldiers that kept a fighting (FOCUSED) mentality while drinking remained.
The warriors realized they were regaining freedom for the nation of Israel. In contrast, the other soldiers that knelt to drink did not have the best posture and were killed quickly by the enemy. If we are doing everything with our heads down, how will we see what is coming? (Insert mental image of being on our phones, distracted, and not connecting.)
Continue Reading Gideon’s Story (Judges 7:9-25)
Gideon needed many signs to authenticate God’s will; his doubt created complex challenges. We need not fear the consequences of humans but fear denying our sovereign, Lord.
What if we trust God wholeheartedly and anxiously anticipate the triumph of His grander design?
Can you allow God, who can take down the enemy and has already declared victory, to fight for you?
Be included in His plan serving his purpose by trusting Him.
~Torrie Slaughter, (This devotional was updated from my original post Included or Excluded, March 2018)
This devotional was written and edited by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
© Torrie Slaughter, LLC; Torrie Slaughter Photography, and Our Given Purpose®
