For a decade, Gunnar Olson felt called to help business professionals transform commerce and industry with God’s love and power. When the time came to share his vision publicly, however, he was plagued with doubts. Graciously, God gave him a sign, but on the eve of setting up The International Christian Chamber of Commerce, the doubts returned. “Who was I to think I could do something on such a grand scale?” he wept. “They were top professionals and I was just a small businessman . . .” Again, God stepped in, this time, curiously, through an anonymous phone call.
Gunnar wasn’t the first person to doubt God’s calling. When Israel cried out for help against enemies raiding their harvests (vv. 1–6), an angel visited Gideon, saying, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior” (v. 12). Focused on the dire circumstances, however, Gideon was wracked with doubts (v. 13). The angel repeated God’s promise to empower him to lead Israel’s army (v. 14 ). “But how can I save Israel?” Gideon persisted, his doubts now fuelled by his inferiority: “My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family” (v. 15).
Thankfully, God is patient. Reaffirming His promised purpose to Gideon (vv. 16–24), and to Gunnar, He nurtured their faith-filled responses. Whatever God calls us to do, regardless of circumstances or feelings of inadequacy, we too can depend on Him to help us fulfil His purposes.
By Anne Le Tissier
REFLECT & PRAY
What difficult circumstances, or sense of inadequacy, can make you hesitant to follow God’s guidance? How does God’s loving, patient desire for you to grow in your faith encourage you to talk with Him about this today?
Patient God, thank You for walking with me as I face my doubts and grow my trust in You, one day at a time.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The time of the Judges is an approximately 330-year period after Joshua’s death (Judges 2:8) to the beginning of Saul’s reign as king (1 Samuel 13:1). This was a chaotic time when a new generation of Israelites who didn’t know God turned from Him to worship idols (Judges 2:10–14). “Everyone did as they saw fit” (17:6; 21:25 ), so God raised various neighbouring nations to discipline them. When they repented, God raised judges—political and military leaders—to lead them. Gideon is the fifth of thirteen judges in this book (Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah, Gideon, Abimelek, Tola, Jair, Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon, and Samson).
K. T. Sim
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