What are You Waiting For…

Scripture:

“The Lord turned to him and said, ‘Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?’ ‘Pardon me, my lord,’ Gideon replied, ‘but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.’ The Lord answered, ‘I will be with you , and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.’ Gideon replied, ‘If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me. Please do not go away until I come back and bring my offering and set it before you’.” Judges 6:14-17 (MSG)

Perspective:

Growing up, you have to ask for permission for many things. If you want to hang out with friends, you ask your parents for permission. If you want to get a drink of water during class, you ask the teacher for permission. Asking permission can be hardwired in us.

The Israelites were being oppressed by their enemies and needed a deliverer. God chose Gideon to help rescue Israel from the oppression they were facing. Yet, when God initially said go, Gideon had some questions. He asked the famous question, “Who am I?” God explained that He would be with him and said go again, but Gideon needed a sign. In a sense, he was needing confirmation or permission to do what God had already told him to do. It can be easy for us to do the same thing. God places a dream in our heart or a ministry we need to support. Yet, we can ask ourselves the same question. Who am I to _______? Fill in the blank with your question. Who am I to teach Sunday school? Who am I to start a new business? Who am to tell my neighbor about Jesus? We need God to continually confirm or give us permission to do what we already know to do. On one hand, should you do something rash? Of course not! But, many times we wait for the perfect opportunity to help someone, share our faith, or walk in obedience. If God has said He is with you, then what are you waiting for?