Mighty Warrior

 This morning's Wake Up Call discusses one of my favorite characters in Scripture: Gideon, who lived in the 12th century BCE. His nation was oppressed, he was in hiding, and he likely felt inadequate. We find his story in Judges, Chapter 6.

As I read about Gideon, I can't help but reflect on the uncertainty and conflict happening around the world today. I wonder if many men, including fathers, feel like Gideon—overwhelmed by the tasks at hand and helpless to take action that would improve the situation. Many men are “fixers” who dislike the helpless feeling that accompanies witnessing oppression, injustice, and danger, yet find themselves burdened by fear, indecision, and confusion. Perhaps this longing for a fairy-tale world, where they could wave a magic wand to set things right, stems from this struggle. But we know the world isn’t a fairy tale; it’s more like a jungle, filled with lions, tigers, and bears!

I want to focus on the first few verses of Gideon's story, where he encounters the angel of the Lord. The angel declares, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior!” This encouraging message is directed at a cowering and timid man who is simply trying to survive day by day. Gideon must have thought, “Surely the angel isn’t talking about me! Is there someone else in here?"In this moment, Gideon—like us—faces the contrast between God's plan and our present reality. Which is true? How do we discover our true selves amidst this chaotic and confusing world? Let’s explore further.

You may have heard me discuss the Human Performance Technology (HPT) model before. This model encourages us to take three actions to move forward in our planning. We can choose to do nothing, or we can take action. Which person do you want to be?

1. The first action is to assess our current situation. What is the reality we are facing? Are we a nation full of Gideons, hiding on a threshing floor, fearfully watching for the approach of the enemy? Do we seek another day of mundane safety? Are we satisfied being safe, inactive, and unmanly, thinking our only responsibility is to bring home a paycheck? Have we lost sight of God's vision for Ezekiel's resurrection army, which is meant to rise up and lead our families, our nation, and ourselves out of oppression? Men, do you even recognize God’s vision for you? Are we aware of our current state? We seem to be surrendering our responsibility to lead our families, nation, and Church, following a culture that says, “Let your children dictate what they want, and give it to them.” Meanwhile, we play video games while culture shapes our priorities and faith and Church become mere options when nothing else is available.

2. Our second action is to decide where we ought to be. Notice I didn’t say “where we want to be.” If we are serious about this, our plan must align with God’s vision. For Gideon, the angel provides a big clue: “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” God sees beyond the timid man to the mighty warrior He envisions. How does God see you? I believe God sees a man who is meant to lead those under his care toward Him. It’s a battle, but you are that mighty warrior capable of success because of the one in whom you place your faith.

3. This brings us to the third action: application. In the HPT model, these are referred to as interventions—things that help you transition from where you are to where you ought to be. When someone joins our congregation, they are asked how they plan to live out their faith. “Will you support this congregation—and really the mission of the whole Church—with your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness?” Committing to these actions will put you in opposition to the prevailing culture. It may make you unpopular with your children, cause conflict at home, and put you at odds with friends who have different goals for you. Ultimately, it comes down to whose plans you choose. God says, “I know the plans I have for you ... plans to prosper you and give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). Will we choose to be cowering wimps or mighty warriors?

Gideon's story includes faith challenges and unexpected twists, but he ultimately becomes that mighty warrior. He overcomes the enemy and leads his people out of struggle and oppression. Never forget: “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior!”