Judges 6:12, "When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, ‘The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.'"

Think

"Real success is more about character than achievement." When we read the book of Judges, we see a repeated pattern. Israel abandons God and pursues other gods (the Bible calls them idols). Then, they find themselves in a bad way and cry out for help. God raises up a leader – called a "judge" – to deliver them and all is well for a season. Then, the pattern repeats itself. This was the cycle Israel was in when God chose Gideon to lead the rescue of Israel. But when you get to know Gideon, he doesn't seem like someone who could rise to the occasion. In fact, he seems like the least likely candidate! But what we see and what God sees are very different. God wasn't concerned with Gideon's achievements, he was concerned with his character. He could see that Gideon was faithful and loyal. And faith and loyalty to God are character qualities that God desires in all of us. Remember, real success is more about character than achievement. God knew that Gideon's character would lead him to trust in God when he was going into battle. And God would empower him to be a mighty warrior! The same is true for us. When we put our complete trust in God, he will equip us for whatever is ahead – even when the odds seem insurmountable. And because he is with us, we too will be mighty warriors!

Act

Take a moment to think about the decisions you have made and the actions you have taken in the past 24 hours. Have these decisions and actions reflected your faith and loyalty to God?

Pray

God, thank you that, like with Gideon, you are with me. Reveal to me any area in my life where I am not trusting you. I want my life to be one that reveals to others my complete trust and loyalty to you.