When was the last time you were stuck in a jam?
We all face difficult choices, and it can be very difficult to decide what to do. We can procrastinate. We can try to run away. We might fall apart... No one wants to be in these stomach churning situations. However, it never helps to hide ourselves from the problem. In fact, great leaders from Moses, to Jesus, to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. all stood up to their trials. In each of our own lives, we are also called to trust in God's Love and take a leap of faith.
In this week's Scripture passage, we are looking at an Old Testament prophet and judge named Gideon. Gideon was a leader in ancient Israel who had a number of gifts. He was also very connected to God, and he personally experienced a number of miracles that showed that God was present with him. However, Gideon lacked faith. He didn't believe in his own gifts, and he didn't believe God would really stand beside him when he needed it. When Gideon became stuck in a jam, he tended to fall apart. Like so many of us, Gideon would have preferred to run away from God's calling. Over and over, God had to affirm God's own presence. The story shows how difficult it is to have faith when life falls apart.
I remember working with a 15 year old girl several years ago, who was incredibly talented. She was a natural leader, incredibly smart, and she was compassionate. However, her family constantly had to move from one house to another. Her mother struggled to provide enough food, and there was never enough money. The difficulties she faced made it hard for her to share her gifts. If things were going well she was amazing, but if her world was falling apart she was unstable, lashing out at others. For her, the church became a place where she could be accepted no matter what. Good day or bad day... we understood what she was going though. It was not always the ideal situation, but we were growing together. I think Gideon could have gone a lot farther if he found a community that loved and accepted him no matter what.
We all need acceptance, and God is offering that to each of us. God wants us to experience the grace that is only found in making bold mistakes. God's Love exists for all of us. Let's take some time to listen for this grace, and take a step toward faith.
Blessings!
Brian
