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

At first we might wonder what Gideon had accomplished to hear such words from God. What victories? What heroic deeds? And then you might wonder if such things could ever be spoken of you. I got good news for you, the story of Gideon may not be what you think.

These words are spoken to a man hiding in a winepress! It was here that Gideon was working to provide for his family. He was hiding to stay out of sight of the Midianites. For the last seven years they had tormented the Israelites. So that's why we find Gideon threshing out a small bundle of wheat for his family down in a winepress. And it was here that the Lord spoke to him and called him into service.

And the words spoken were, the Lord is with you mighty warrior! Mighty? I feel weak Lord! Warrior? I'm hiding Lord! And then Gideon proceeds to tell God that Jehovah has forsaken His people. Can you sense the tension? What's God going to do with such comments? What's God going to do with such a man? He's going to forgive him and use him to free the Israelites! Gideon, go! Gideon I am with you! This is your might. Go in My strength! I am sending you!

The Lord calls you as well. Each morning you rise to report to your own "winepress"-some days you may feel weaker than others. Hear His words. Hear Him say: I am sending you. Hear Him say, I am with you, this is your might! For when we hear those words we know that He will provide strength for the day. I'm counting on it, I need it!

So the next time you feel weak or overloaded or under oppression of sin or temptations remember your Baptism. It's when God first appeared to you. It's when He called you into service and that work is done in many ways. (are you excited about how God will use you?)Project 52 is about discovering ways to reach people with this Good News and then to have them share it with others.

If you need to be encouraged in your "winepress" write or call me. We are here to help you see the strength you find in knowing Jesus Christ.

In Christ,
Pastor John