Have not I sent you?

“And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?” - Judges 6v14

Isreal was once again suffering because of their disobedience. Suddenly God appeared to a young Benjamite named Gideon and told him that he was going to be the one to deliver Israel from the hands of the Midianites. Gideon of course was surprised that God could use him. He wasn’t a powerful leader, he wasn’t a military genius, and he wasn’t even from one of the important tribes. How could God use him?

God answers him very simply – “You go in what power you have…have not I sent you?”

What comforting words when we are called to some seemingly impossible task. I don’t think any of us really feel qualified to do a work for God, especially when the work seems difficult. We feel like Moses when God called him, or Gideon here when God told him that he would be the one to deliver the nation.

However, at times like that there is something we are forgetting, we have not been sent out by some human commission – Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel … a lo I am with you always.” Like Gideon, God Himself has sent us out. All that He requires is that we be faithful to Him and work in His sending power.

Thank you for the reminder Lord, that you have sent me out to do your work!