Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?” Judges 6:14, NKJV

My journal reads: What a day! Yesterday, I started the day tired and had to put up with an aching leg because of a pulled hamstring. Besides that, I had counted on two of my classes going on a field trip to give me some extra time, but the teachers had to cancel it. I had a hassle over the phone with the maintenance department over chorus risers, and one of the classroom teachers made an implied complaint that she would miss her break next week because of my concert. But, here I am again, beginning another day with a smile pasted on my face, expecting 60 not-so-eager chorus members to appear shortly, and I need the Lord!

I went straight for my favorite devotional, Faith’s Checkbook, by Charles H. Spurgeon. It was just the help I needed. He wrote about Gideon: 

What a look was that which the Lord gave to Gideon! He looked him out of his discouragement into holy bravery…He had nothing to do but to use it and save Israel by smiting the Midianites. It may be that the Lord has more to do by me than I ever dreamed of. If he has looked upon me, he has made me strong… “Have I not sent you?” Yes, Lord, you have sent me, and I will go in your strength. At your command, I go, and going, I am assured that you will conquer by me.

Maybe discouragement dogs you today. Teachers seem prone to weakness and exhaustion. Ask the Lord to be your strength today because He delights to show His power in the weakness of our flesh!

Lord, when I feel weary, discouraged, or inadequate for the work before me, remind me that You are my strength. When frustrations mount, and my own resources feel small, help me remember that You often work most powerfully through weakness. As You called Gideon, call me again to rise in courage and trust Your sending. When I doubt my ability, remind me that I do not go alone—You go with me. Fill me with Your strength for today’s assignments and challenges, and faith for what I cannot yet see. Help me move forward, not in my own strength, but in Yours, believing that the One who sends me will also sustain me. Use me for more than I can imagine, and let Your power be made visible through my weakness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Copyright Shirley Wilson.  

Shirley is a retired Christian Educators member and a former board member.