The Least and the Weakest

How do you face a tough assignment?
Procrastinate? Gripe? Try to get someone else to do it? Gather resources? Jump in?

A person's response flows from many causes, but primary among them is confidence. "How confident do I feel that I can really do this well?" is a question just about everyone of us has asked ourselves. When we are unsure that we have what it takes, most of us will be reluctant to move ahead.

I was working with a team of men renovating an old barn that our church wanted to use for youth ministry. Brent handed me a tool and assigned me a task doing something I had never done before. I demurred saying, "I don't think I can because I've never done that before." His response was to take the tool, to show me how to use it, and then he said, "Now, stretch and grow!" He loved that phrase. He was also a gifted musician at the piano. I am a dabbler on the piano and I play mostly for enjoyment and worship when I am alone. He would occasionally hear me playing and offer tips on technique. If I said, "I don't think I can" his response was to encourage me to try. Stretch and grow!

In the book of Judges, a messenger from God came to a man named Gideon with an assignment - "liberate your people from the oppression of the Midianites." He wanted this humble farmer to become a national leader and military strategist. Gideon realistically assessed himself and replied,“But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” (Judges 6:15, NLT) Nothing in the text would lead us to conclude that Gideon was not speaking truthfully. He was a man of no reputation from a clan of no reputation! He was not a man given to boldness either. When the messenger came to Gideon, he was hiding out from the marauders threshing his wheat in a winepress. Instead of doing this task on an open threshing floor where he could be seen, he was doing it a very hard way, in hiding, a little at a time. But, God saw something in Gideon that others, even himself, did not see. That is shown by the greeting, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!” (Judges 6:12, NLT) Obviously Gideon didn't think of himself in those terms.

So how would the Lord God turn a fearful farmer into a bold leader? Take note of the clincher line. The LORD answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together.” (Judges 6:16, NIV) From the moment that Gideon was convinced that he would not do the task alone, he was a changed man. If you want to read a story of a man who grew in faith as the Lord patiently developed him for the assigned task, read those chapters in Judges. You will be encouraged to respond obediently and in faith when an opportunity is presented to you.

Has God handed you a tough assignment that appears impossible given your present abilities?
Are you avoiding it, trying to find another to do it, or griping about it?

Here's a better response. Ask the Spirit of God to walk you through it, to show you the way - one step at a time. He will patiently grow you into the task.

Here is the promise of the Lord. Take it to heart today.
Let it speak to you so you will be ready to Stretch and grow!
He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6, NKJV)
_____________________________
"Father, as I look at my life I often feel that I am the 'least from among the weakest.'
The gap that I see between my skills, my abilities, and Your commission is wide.
Keep me from fear by steadying me with Your hand on my shoulder.
Help me to live in a way that lets You lead me - obediently, holy, and faithfully in prayer.
Holy Spirit, develop a great "God-confidence"
in me so that I will be ready to do what you ask me to do - today and to eternity.
In Jesus' name. Amen."