What does "Go in the strength you have" teach about relying on God? Setting the Scene: Gideon’s Reluctant Beginning Judges 6 opens with Israel oppressed by Midian. Gideon is hiding in a winepress, threshing wheat in secret. Into this fearful setting, “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?’” (Judges 6:14). God speaks directly to an ordinary man who feels utterly inadequate. What the Command Actually Says • “Go” – an immediate call to action • “in the strength you have” – whatever limited ability, courage, or resources Gideon already possessed • “and save Israel” – a task far bigger than Gideon’s capacity • “Am I not sending you?” – God’s presence is the decisive factor Key Truths about Relying on God Hidden in One Phrase • God starts with what we have, not what we wish we had • The command assumes insufficiency; if Gideon’s strength were enough, God’s presence would be irrelevant • Divine commissioning (“Am I not sending you?”) turns ordinary strength into extraordinary effectiveness • Obedience precedes empowerment; Gideon has to move first, then watch God multiply Scripture Echoes That Reinforce the Lesson • 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Paul’s testimony mirrors Gideon’s: weakness becomes a platform for divine strength. • Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Christ’s indwelling power, not natural ability, gets credit. • Psalm 18:1–2 – “I love You, O LORD, my strength… the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” David turns immediately to God as the true source of power. • 1 Samuel 17:45 – David to Goliath: “I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts.” Like Gideon, David’s confidence rests in God’s sending. • Proverbs 3:5–6 – Trust replaces self-reliance; God directs the path of those who lean on Him. How “Go in the Strength You Have” Plays Out in Gideon’s Story 1. Limited resources: Gideon musters only 32,000 men; God reduces them to 300 (Judges 7:2–7). 2. Divine strategy: jars, torches, and trumpets replace conventional weapons (Judges 7:16). 3. Overwhelming victory: Midianite armies flee in panic, proving God’s strength alone secured the win (Judges 7:21-22). 4. Growing faith: Gideon moves from hiding in a winepress to leading a nation because he acted on the initial command. Practical Takeaways for Believers Today • Start where you are. God rarely waits until you feel ready. • Obedience is the door to fresh strength. Each step taken uncovers more of God’s provision. • Remember Who sends you. Identity and calling are anchored in God’s authority, not personal skill. • Expect God to resize your assignment to fit His power, not your comfort. • Celebrate weakness. It highlights God’s glory when the outcome surpasses human capability. Simple Steps to Walk This Out 1. Identify your current “strength” (time, talent, influence, finances). 2. Offer it back to God, acknowledging its limits. 3. Act on the assignment He has already revealed—no matter how small. 4. Watch for God’s multiplying effect and give Him the credit. 5. Keep moving; fresh strength often arrives mid-stride (Isaiah 40:31). The Core Lesson in One Sentence When God says, “Go in the strength you have,” He invites you to step forward with whatever you possess, assuring you that His presence will transform your insufficiency into victory. |
    |