Have you ever felt too insignificant to be used by God?
Like you’re just a stay-at-home mom, a regular worker, or someone who doesn’t quite have it all together?
Friend, I’ve been there too.
There are days I look at the laundry pile, dishes in the sink, a toddler pulling on my sleeve, and wonder—“Is this making any real difference?”
But then I remember Gideon. His story in Judges 6 reminds us of one powerful truth:
God doesn’t wait for us to be extraordinary. He works through the ordinary, the unsure, and even the scared.
So today, let’s walk through Judges 6:11-16, and rediscover how God takes people who feel unqualified—and uses them to change the world.
Context: Why Was Gideon Hiding?
To fully appreciate Gideon’s story, we need to understand the backdrop.
In Judges 6, the Israelites were being brutally oppressed by the Midianites. They had turned away from God, and as a result, they were suffering the consequences of disobedience. The Midianites would swarm in like locusts, stealing crops and livestock, leaving Israel impoverished and afraid.
This is the world Gideon lived in. He wasn’t just hiding out of cowardice — he was living in survival mode, like many of us do when life gets hard. And it’s in this exact moment that God speaks purpose over him.
📝 Devotional Tie-In:
God often speaks vision over our lives in our lowest places—not when we feel strong, but when we are painfully aware of our weakness. That’s the beauty of His grace.
1️⃣ God Sees Potential in the Ordinary
📖 Judges 6:11-12
“The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, ‘The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.’”
When we first meet Gideon, he’s hiding. Literally. He’s threshing wheat in a winepress—a spot usually reserved for crushing grapes—because he’s afraid of the Midianites who’ve been oppressing Israel for years.
He’s not acting like a warrior. He’s acting like a man just trying to survive.
And yet, the angel of the Lord calls him “mighty warrior.”
Not because of who Gideon is in that moment, but because of who God sees him becoming.
💬 Maybe you’re in a season where you feel overlooked. Maybe no one notices the work you do at home, in your job, or at your church. But listen carefully:
God sees you.
He knows your hidden battles, your quiet sacrifices, and your faithfulness when no one else claps for you.
Just like He saw Gideon’s potential, God sees yours—even when you don’t.
📝 Life Application:
Next time you catch yourself saying, “I’m just a…,” stop.
Replace it with:
🔁 “I am called by God, and He sees something in me worth using.”
2️⃣ Our Weakness Doesn’t Disqualify Us — It Makes Room for God’s Strength
📖 Judges 6:13-15
“But Lord,” Gideon asked, “how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest… and I am the least in my family.”
Can you relate to that?
Gideon gives a list of reasons why he’s unqualified.
He’s saying, “I come from nothing. I am nothing.”
But that’s the point. That’s exactly who God chooses to use.
Let’s take a quick glance at some other biblical “nobodies” God used:
- Moses had a stutter (Exodus 4:10).
- David was the youngest and overlooked by his family (1 Samuel 16).
- Mary was a teenage girl from a humble town (Luke 1:26-38).
- Peter was a fisherman with a temper (Luke 22:60-62).
God doesn’t need polished résumés or spiritual superstars.
He delights in using the humble, so His strength gets all the glory.
💡 Paul echoes this beautifully in 2 Corinthians 12:9:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”
📝 Life Application:
Make a list of the things you think disqualify you.
Then, beside each one, write a truth from God’s Word.
Example:
❌ “I’m not confident enough.”
✅ “The Lord is my confidence.” (Proverbs 3:26)
3️⃣ God’s Presence Is What Makes the Difference
📖 Judges 6:16
“The Lord answered, ‘I will be with you.’”
Here it is—the game changer.
God doesn’t promise Gideon a smooth road or instant courage.
He simply says, “I will be with you.”
Friend, that’s the same promise Jesus gave before ascending into heaven:
“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
Whether you’re stepping into a new ministry, raising children, navigating loss, or just trying to make it through the day—you are not alone.
What made Gideon mighty was not his talent, but his trust.
He stepped forward not because he believed in himself, but because he believed God was with him.
📝 Life Application:
Start your day with this prayer:
“Lord, I may not feel ready, but You are with me. And that’s enough.”
Stick a note on your mirror or phone with Matthew 28:20 as a reminder—you are never walking alone.
Gideon’s Journey Ahead
What’s even more encouraging is what happens after this calling. Gideon doesn’t become a fearless leader overnight. He asks for signs (remember the fleece?), he tears down idols in the dark out of fear, and he leads a tiny army of 300 into battle.
But through it all, God is patient. He works with Gideon’s doubts and builds his faith step by step—just like He does with us.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Be Extraordinary — Just Available
So, what can we take away from Gideon’s story?
- God sees your potential, even when you feel hidden or afraid.
- Your weaknesses don’t eliminate your calling—they spotlight God’s power.
- God’s presence is what equips you for your assignment.
Maybe you’re feeling that gentle tug in your spirit—like God is calling you to step out.
To write, speak, serve, encourage, or simply show up in faith.
You might say, “But I’m just a stay-at-home mom,” or “I’ve made too many mistakes,” or “I don’t have enough time.”
But God says, “I will be with you.”
He’s not asking for perfection. Just a willing heart.
To the Mom Who Feels Invisible
Maybe you’re in a season where no one claps for you. You clean messes, cook meals, and wipe tears. You serve your family behind the scenes, and some days you wonder if it even matters.
But it does!
God sees your heart. And just like He called Gideon a “mighty warrior” while he was hiding, He calls you faithful, valuable, and chosen—even on your messiest days.
You don’t have to stand on a stage to be used by God. Faithfulness in the little things is where greatness begins.
Call to Action: Say Yes—Even If You Feel Ordinary
Let’s pray together:
🙏 “Lord, thank You that You see beyond our fears and failures. Thank You for choosing us—even when we feel weak or small. Help us to trust not in our strength, but in Your presence. Use us, Lord. We’re just ordinary people—but we say yes to an extraordinary God. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
💬 Before you go, ask yourself:
- What “winepress” am I hiding in right now?
- What is God calling me to step into despite my doubts?
If this devotional blessed you, I invite you to share it with a friend who may need encouragement today.
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Recommended Resource:
Here’s a powerful book to help you better understand how God equips ordinary people for extraordinary leadership.
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Called to Be God’s Leader: Lessons from the Life of Joshua
By Henry Blackaby / Thomas Nelson Discover how God takes ordinary people—like Joshua—and shapes them into faithful leaders. This book explores obedience, character, and spiritual purpose in a way that’s practical and inspiring. A great companion to deepen your walk and say yes to God’s calling. |