God Sees Our Potential
We started today’s tour at the Spring of Gideon. It’s a beautiful park-like setting at the base of Mount Gilboa. Here, we talked about Gideon, who appears in Judges 6-8. As a group, we sat in the grass, dipped our feet in the spring, and remembered this Old Testament character who needed to be reminded of his self-worth. Similarly, have you ever struggled with low self-esteem? I think we all have. The story of Gideon reminds us that God sees our potential, not our deficiencies.
God’s Description of Gideon
The first time that Gideon heard from God is recorded in Judges 6:12. And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.”
When Gideon heard these words, he was confused. Was the angel speaking to him? He probably would have answered, “Who me? A mighty man of valor? You’ve got to be kidding!”
Granted, many of us do not have an elevated few of ourselves. We often let our genetics, upbringing, and life experiences define who we are. However, God saw Gideon as a mighty man of valor, even though Gideon thought of himself as weak, from a little-known tribe, and fearful. God saw who Gideon would become (through the power of the God) and spoke that over him before it became a reality.
God Sees Our Potential
Well, can you guess how God sees you and me? He delights in us. He sees our potential and all the possibilities that await us. We are sons and daughters of the King of kings. We have royalty in our blood. Therefore, we need to believe that and act the regal part.
Zephaniah 3:17 tells how the Lord tenderly thinks of us. The Lord your God is with you. He is the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you. In his love he will no longer punish you. Instead, he will sing for joy because of you.
Our identity is in Christ. We are His treasured possession. God knows great things are in store for us!
Thank you, dear Lord, that you see my potential, rather than my past mistakes. Help me to believe that through your power and strength, I can do mighty things for you. Thank you for saving me, rejoicing over me with singing, and graciously loving me. Amen.
Questions to Consider:
- Is it difficult for you to accept God’s view of you?
- What changes do you need to make in your behavior or attitude to see yourself through God’s eyes?
