Gideon: Chosen by God Even When You're Scared

Hey, carpool crew, whether you're headed to swim lessons or chilling in your room with your favorite snack, I'm Pastor Justin, and I'm so glad you're here. Today's story is about someone who thought he was too small, too weak, and too ordinary to do anything big for God. But God, he had other plans. His name was Gideon. And if you've ever felt unsure about yourself, this one is for you. Let's look at Judges chapter six, verse 12. That's in the Old Testament. The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, the Lord is with you, valiant warrior. Gideon lived during a time when the Israelites were going through a really rough season. They had turned away from God, and because of that, they were being bullied and attacked by a group called the Midianites. Gideon wasn't a warrior or a leader. In fact, when we first meet him, he's hiding in a wine press trying to quietly gather food without being seen. He wasn't feeling brave. He wasn't looking for a battle. But then boom, an angel of the Lord shows up and says, the Lord is with you, mighty warrior. Wait, what? Mighty warrior. Gideon didn't feel mighty. He even told the angel, I am the weakest kid in the weakest family, in the weakest tribe. But God wasn't looking at Gideon's strength. He was looking at Gideon's faith. God saw what Gideon could become when he trusted him. If Jesus was riding in the backseat with you, I'd think he'd lean over and say, you don't have to feel strong to be used by me. You just have to trust me. Jesus loves choosing ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Why? Because it shows that the power doesn't come from us. It comes from him. He sees your potential even when you feel nervous, small or unsure. So how can we be like Gideon today? When you feel nervous about something big, remember you don't have to do it alone. God is with you just like he was with Gideon. When you don't think you're enough, don't listen to fear. Listen to what God says about you. You are chosen, you are brave. You are his. When you're asked to lead, maybe it's helping a younger sibling or being a kind example to your classmates, you can be a leader even when it feels scary. Gideon went from hiding in fear to leading an army with just 300 people because God made him brave, and God can do the same with you. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. Parents, if you like this podcast, share it with some of your parent friends or drop it in a Facebook group or community group where you live so other families can discover carpooling with Jesus too. Before you go answer this question together, what's one thing you think God might want you to do even if it feels a little scary or too big for you? I'll see you tomorrow on carpooling with Jesus.