During the month of June, I’m speaking at two churches. Along with my regular duties at Bikers’ Church, I’ve been invited to do a series at Greenbelt Baptist Church. I’m loving the opportunity to share a month of sermon’s with the good folks at Greenbelt.
I’ve been sharing a series called, “When Warriors Dream.” It’s a series about living out your purpose and believing that God has called you to experience a full life with him. Each week, I’ve been offering principles that will help us dream “God-sized” dreams.
The first principle I shared is one that I believe many people struggle with. Basically, the principle says that before you will ever do anything, you need to understand who you are. Actually, that’s the “sanitized” version of it. Really, the principle suggests that before you can do anything for God, you must see yourself the way God sees you.
Let’s face it, we are often our own biggest critic. After I preach, I can be harder on myself than any negative email I might receive. Most of us see ourselves as less than we are. We consider others as more talented, more popular, more gifted. When we are asked to get involved, most of us wonder what on earth we can contribute.
Gideon was a guy who seemed to have nothing to offer. He was a coward. He hid from challenge and conflict. He was one of the least likely warriors in the Bible. And yet, God eventually used him as a great leader. Gideon is seen as an incredible man of faith who was willing to risk everything for the sake of his calling.
What changed for him? What caused him to go from being a coward who hid whenever the enemy showed up to a man who led a small army of 300 into battle?
One thing. He finally saw himself the way God saw him.
How did God see him? The Bible tells us in Judges 6:12. An angel appears to Gideon and calls him a “Mighty Warrior.” A warrior? Gideon?
And yet, that is who he was. It took some time, but soon Gideon began to believe it. He believed that God was right in how he saw him. The rest, as they say, is history.
Look, you might not have an angel speak to you while you’re hiding out from the enemy. You may never have to led 300 men into battle. But God has a calling — a purpose — for your life. He has something special for you to accomplish.
But it begins with seeing yourself as God sees you. You’re not a failure. You’re not worthless. You’re not insignificant. God sees you first and foremost as his child. One he loves deeply. You are his and that is not a small thing.
So begin to dream, mighty warrior. Allow God to work through you and be amazed at what you can accomplish when you simply believe you are who he says you are.
