You Cannot Be Serious
by Steve Bland
Some of us of a certain age may remember the outbursts of “You cannot be serious” by a certain tennis player in the mid-eighties. Maybe that’s what Gideon thought when the Angel of the Lord turned up to proclaim him as a mighty warrior. Yet, as God got to work, this man changed and led the Israelites to a great victory.
I especially like the part of verse 14 where the Lord tells him to go in the strength he has. ‘Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!”’ (Judges 6:14). Sometimes we may feel, “God can’t use me until I’m in a better place, or until this or that problem gets sorted out”. But He encourages us to step out in the strength we have.
It may be only one small step. I would encourage you to step out and see how God uses that one small step. You may be amazed how one small step may lead to another, and another, and another. You get my drift. Before you know where you are, you’re a long way from where you first started.
The enemy tells us to stay where we are, and to keep hiding in the wine press. He says, “You have got nothing to offer. Nobody’s interested in what you have to say. It won’t make any difference anyway. Stay where you are”. All lies! Ask God today to show you the small steps you can take and see the journey He takes you on.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want You to show me today the small steps I can take in the strength I have that will bring glory to Your name. Forgive me when I have listened to the lies of the enemy and thought that I have nothing to offer. I trust You with my life and look forward to our journey together. Amen.
Steve Bland Over the years Steve has been part of the Ellel team at Glyndley Manor and Ellel Grange. Steve and his wife, Andrea, now live near Lancaster and Steve is part of the ministry team at Ellel Grange. Steve enjoys walking in the Lake District. He has a heart to see people released into their calling under God.
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