Week 32 - Tim White - The Hidden Hero

Seeing Ourselves the Way God Sees Us

Hello everybody! My name is Tim, and today I want to share a devotional about something I recently noticed in scripture. Have you ever read a passage a million times, only for something completely new to jump out at you? To me, that is absolute proof that God's word is living, breathing, and active in our lives.

A Hiding Place in the Wine Press

If you dive into Judges chapter 6, you will find the story of the Israelites. Because they did evil in the sight of the Lord, they were handed over to the Midianites for seven years. The Midianites were so cruel that the Israelites were forced to hide in caves, strongholds, and mountains. Every time the Israelites planted crops, the Midianites would sweep through the land, destroy the harvest, take all the livestock, and leave them with absolutely nothing.

In their desperation, the Israelites cried out to God. Shortly after, the angel of the Lord found a man named Gideon. When the angel arrived, Gideon was hiding at the bottom of a wine press, threshing wheat. He was doing his best to stay quiet and keep the dust down to avoid being caught. He was likely nervous and full of fear.

Suddenly, the angel appeared and declared, "Hey, mighty hero, the Lord is with you." Gideon immediately argued, pointing out that his clan was the weakest in the tribe of Manasseh, and that he was the absolute least in his entire family. But the Lord responded, "I'm going to be with you and you are going to destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man." (It's a powerful story, and I highly encourage you to go read the whole chapter for yourself!)

Why "Mighty Hero"?

Think about that for a second. Gideon was hunkered down in a wine press, terrified of being noticed. Why in the world did the angel call him a "mighty hero"?

It’s because that is exactly who God called him to be, and that is how God saw him. Gideon was a mighty hero simply because God said so.

Embracing Your Calling

I believe someone needs to hear this same truth today. Only your Creator has the authority to tell you who you are. Don't believe the lies of the enemy, whose only job is to steal, kill, and destroy. Every single one of you has a calling from God, and He sees you for exactly what He created you to do.

• Dads: You are protectors, providers, and great leaders for your families.

• Moms: You are incredible, nurturing, and loving your families like no one else can.

• Teachers: You are kind and compassionate, and the kids look up to you.

• Firefighters, Medics, & Police Officers: You are brave in every circumstance, saving lives and protecting property.

Galatians 5:22-23 tells us that the Holy Spirit produces fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As a believer, you have all of these gifts inside you. You might feel like you lack patience, gentleness, or self-control, but your Creator says, "I gave you those things."

Walking in His Strength

Be encouraged. God does not create junk; He made you for a specific purpose. You might not be able to fulfill that purpose in your own strength, but if He has called you to it, He will provide the strength you need. All He asks is that you invite Him along for the journey.

Heavenly Father, I pray over everyone watching and reading today. You created us to fulfill a specific purpose. Give supernatural wisdom to those who aren't sure what their purpose is, and let them know that you are always with them. May we all walk completely in the calling you have for us. In Jesus' name, Amen.