A Crisis of Belief

“Now without faith, it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him” (Heb. 11: 6).

When God calls you with God-sized expectations, a crisis of belief often follows. It is a test of faith, and how you respond next reveals what you believe about Him. Consider Gideon’s call and how he responded next.The Lord turned to Gideon and said, "Go in your strength and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" Gideon replied, "Pardon me, my Lord, but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest, and I am the least in my family” (Judg. 6:14-15).

Gideon’s initial response was one of fear. By all appearances, it was a lack of faith and a crisis of belief. But before we judge him too harshly, young Gideon’s story is like many of our own stories. So, we have to ask ourselves, is this how we often respond when God calls? Do we not ask God if He has picked the right person for the task? However, Gideon's belief crisis was not the story's end. With no military training, his task of leading men into battle appeared to be a daunting one. He was called to drive out an enemy so large they were as “numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the seashore in multitude” (Judg. 7:12).

This was a God-sized expectation for such an inexperienced young man. However, God promised He would be with him and deliver the enemy into Gideon's hands. Yes, God had great expectations, but He was the one who would do all the work. Gideon had to overcome his fear and believe in the One doing the calling to move forward from his current location. We cannot stay where we are and go with God.

Gideon’s story is not so much about “the Call” or “the Conquest” (both of which were accomplished by God anyway). The real story is about what happened in between. His epic victory was not over the Midianites. Instead, his epic victory tells of one man's struggle with his weaknesses, his doubts about his perceived inabilities, and the One True God who transformed those fears into triumph. Did he question God? He sure did. Did he challenge God? Yes, but His story is about his Faith, Obedience, and God's mighty hand.

If you have ever struggled with insecurity, fears, and doubts over your limitations or have had a crisis of belief after God called you, welcome to the club. However, I hope Gideon's story will help you see how God can use your weakness to unleash His strength. Like Gideon, God can also use your weaknesses for His Glory. Consider two examples of faith.

“By Faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family” (Heb. 11:7).

“By Faith Moses led the people out of Egypt and across the Red Sea" (Heb. 11:29).

Think about where God is calling you and step out in faith and obedience and let your life glorify God. Remember, you cannot stay where you are and go with God at the same time.

“Believers must live continuously on the edge of faith-filled Obedience, investing everything they have for the Kingdom” – Max Anders.