EMPOWERING LIVES WITH PURPOSE:
There is an often used statement in the world of investments: “Past performance is no guarantee of future results.” There’s a reason this “warning label” is included in every document that discusses the performance of a particular fund or strategy. Because when it comes to financial markets, circumstances can change-sometimes quickly and unexpectedly.
When it comes to believers, the same warning label should apply. But instead, it should say: “Past failures provide no indication or limitation for future successes.”
One of my favorite sayings is that God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called!
If you ever feel unqualified for the task, reflect on the story of Gideon.
“So Israel was reduced to starvation by the Midianites. Then Israelites cried out to the LORD for help… The angel of the LORD appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the LORD is with you!”…” 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 6:6, 12, 15 NLT)
God saw Gideon differently than Gideon saw himself. Gideon saw himself as insignificant, full of fear, the runt of the litter in the poorest family in a community reduced down to nothing!!
In other words, Gideon told God, “You could not have picked a lesser man to call a mighty man of valor!!”
That’s the funny part….look at 6:12 again. GOD DID NOT say Gideon was a mighty man of Valor. He said, “The LORD is with you!”
Have you ever felt incapable of doing what God called you to do?
Extend both of your arms outstretched to the sides.
You’re left hand represents how you see yourself. You’re right, is how God sees you.
And your body now makes a cross, which represents what Jesus has done for you. It reconciles the two views!
Anyone plus God is more than capable!
The LORD said to him, “I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.” (Judges 6:16)
God does not suggest we forget about our past failures, He commands us to! God does not pour new wine into old wine skins.
“Forget the former things; Do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV)
“Navigating Your Storm”