God sees you - by Bec Bonython

I have just been thinking about Gideon recently and how sometimes we see ourselves differently to how God sees us. Where God sees potential, we can often just focus on what we are not. This is very clearly demonstrated in the story of Gideon.

When we think of Gideon, what do we think of?

• You might remember him as the man God calls a mighty man of valour.
• Maybe you know him as the guy who puts the fleece out twice to double check that God wants him to do something.
• Or you’ve heard the story of Gideon having 32 000 men to fight an army, but God only chooses 300 to fight a massively strong army… and he wins!

We remember those good bits where Gideon comes across as strong and mighty, but that’s not how the story started, and that’s definitely not what Gideon originally thought of himself!
The story of Gideon is found in Judges 6-9. I encourage you to read it.

Some background - The children of Israel were in constant attack from their surrounding neighbours, especially the Midian army. The town would sow their crops so they had food, yet they knew the majority of it would be stolen from the strong Midian army. The bible says that Gideon’s town was impoverished – ie: Israel thought their nation had come to the end and that they were going to be destroyed. The nation had lost all hope and they just wanted to die. They had no food. They were frightened, weak and had unbelief in themselves because of their circumstances. They had a bad run of events which had forced them to live in caves and in fear for their lives.

Growing up in the midst of this environment is Gideon. Gideon is the youngest person in his family, which was the smallest clan in the smallest tribe. So Gideon is the lowest of the low in a town that is plagued by fear and doubt and insecurity. We first find him hiding in a wine vat scared and afraid for his life.
Where Gideon had seen himself as a coward, God saw Gideon as someone who would be willing and able to help save His people – a deliverer. The angel of the Lord greets Gideon with “The Lord is with you O mighty man of valour!” From there, and with God’s help, Gideon rescues Gods people and becomes the man God had always known.

Take a moment to think about how you view yourself. Ask yourself, “Does the way I view myself match up with what God thinks of me?” This is by no means an exhaustive list, but in light of the Gideon story, here are some ways that God sees you. Be encouraged!

• God sees you as chosen. Deut 14:2 “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession.” God chose Gideon, and today He chooses you to be His treasure.
• God sees you as part of His team: He says, I have a plan and I want you to be a part of that plan. He says, I could do it by myself, but it’s more fun if we do it together. You have a vital role to play. We all have different strengths and abilities, and I love who you are and that’s is why I want you to be part of the team. I have plans that you prosper, plans for a hope and a future. I don’t want to harm you, but I do want to teach you along the way.
• God sees you as strong and equipped: In Judges 6:14 the Angel says to Gideon, "I will make you strong! God sees us as strong so that our potential can be realised and God’s plan can be accomplished. The strength that Gideon used was the promise of the Lord’s presence.
• God sees you at your full potential. He says: I know where you are now, but I can also see what you will become. He says, don’t be scared, you just need to trust me. You just need to know that I am God. God says, allow me to be that lamp which shows you the next step to guide you. Don’t get distracted by other stuff, just stick with me, keep your focus on me and it will all be ok. I will be your provider. I will be your encourager. I will be your protector. I will be your guide. I will be what you hope for.

Be encouraged today and see yourself how God sees you!