In our world today, there are so many different thoughts and opinions on what makes a great leader. Many of us may not perceive ourselves as leaders. Perhaps we might not have the gift to stand before a crowd and speak or preach like the great orators of our time. Perhaps we may not have a supervisory role in our jobs. Perhaps we might not be called on to lead a mission trip to a remote and distant land. Still, because of the truth of the Word of God, I declare that there’s a leader in each of us!
Consider the story of Gideon, for a moment. We read about this “nobody” who became somebody in chapters 6 to 8 of Judges. His tribe was the weakest in Manasseh and he was the least in his family. But when the angel of the Lord appeared to him, Gideon heard the words sent from heaven that changed the direction of his life and cemented his place in history. The simple, yet, life-transforming words were, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior!” Let’s dissect that statement for a bit:
“The Lord is with you!” Aren’t those words full of assurance? The Apostle Paul, with all his inherent weaknesses, recognized the truth of these words when he said in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He knew that as long as the Lord is with him, indeed he can do all things.
Then the last two words that the angel of the Lord uttered in that opening phrase are so packed with power that they could be a sermon by themselves: MIGHTY WARRIOR! You see, we tend to see ourselves as we see ourselves. Let me repeat that seemingly redundant statement: we tend to see ourselves as we see ourselves. But I believe that when we embrace the divine perspective, we will begin to see ourselves as God sees us! Gideon saw himself as a weakling, a nobody; but God saw him as a mighty warrior! And if you read the Biblical account of his journey, you’ll see just what a mighty warrior Gideon became – and it all began when he received God’s perspective of him.
So how do you see yourself? As a nobody? As one just barely getting by day by day till the Lord calls you home? I believe that the Holy Spirit will use these simple words to stir up within some of us the leadership skills that for too long have long been dormant. God wants to challenge us to see ourselves, just as He sees us. And the beauty is that He didn’t call us to be like someone else; He called us to be who He made us and when we take His Word over our lives as truth, we will begin to walk out the path He designed for us. And when we do, we will find that it’s God leading the way, using us as vessels through whom He ministers to a lost and dying world.
Regardless of how you may now see yourself, I challenge you to take to heart the words said to Gideon and receive them as your own. There’s a mighty warrior in you and when you yield to the Spirit of God, through you He will do great wonders! Put your hands in His, and let Him take the lead and just see what a mighty warrior you’ll become as He does truly great works through you!
Be encouraged and be blessed, mighty warrior!
Rodrick Walters