“The LORD is with you, mighty warrior!
But sir, if God’s with us, why has all of this happened to us?
God’s abandoned us and allowed Midian to oppress us.”
Feeling abandoned is a common human experience in times of trouble. Suffering draws out feelings of loneliness and isolation. We question God and forget the new life He’s offered us. We’re consumed by feelings of unworthiness and our perspective dims. Sometimes it takes another’s perspective and the voice of God to draw us back into the new life that we can find in Him.
Grade 8 students led the school and many pastors through the story of Gideon yesterday. We examined the question, “Where is God when we feel abandoned and unworthy?” The Grade 8’s beautifully depicted Gideon’s emotions and turmoil. An angel of the Lord spots Gideon cowering in a wine press. He names Gideon a mighty warrior. And Gideon quakes in fear. He claims that he is the weakest of the weak. God’s voice is heard, comforting, reassuring, softly providing signs to this fear-filled individual. Gideon finally picks up a jar and a trumpet, he finds the courage to follow God’s call even when it doesn’t make sense to him.
God calls an unlikely leader to save His people. He finds an individual who feels isolated and unworthy and calls him into a new life in Him. Where is God when we feel abandoned and unworthy? Listen. He’s calling out to you- “Peace, Mighty Warrior. You are Worthy. I am patient. I’ll wait here for you.”
Our Grade 8 students studied this story a few weeks ago. They worked on a script and planned a performance. Some wrote poetry based on the emerged theme. Their leadership shone and their words meant a great deal to our younger children. It was a privilege to welcome pastors from our community and enlist Grade 8 leadership to convey a powerful message.
Thank you, Grade 8 students!