Standing in Grace (Part 4 of 5): Grace Empowers the Unqualified
“And he said to him, ‘If now I have found favor in your eyes, then show me a sign that it is you who speak with me. Please do not depart from here until I come to you and bring out my present and set it before you.’ And he said, ‘I will stay till you return.’” — Judges 6:17–18 (ESV)
In this passage, the angel of the Lord appears to Gideon and tells him that God has chosen him to deliver Israel from the Midianites. But Gideon’s first response reveals his insecurity and doubt.
“Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” — Judges 6:15 (ESV)
The Lord’s answer is simple and powerful:
“But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.” — Judges 6:16 (ESV)
Even after hearing this promise, Gideon still wrestled with uncertainty. He asked for a sign — some assurance that it was truly God speaking to him. Despite his hesitation, God patiently met him where he was. Gideon’s doubts didn’t disqualify him; instead, they became the backdrop for God’s grace to shine.
Gideon gave God every reason why he shouldn’t be chosen — his background, his lack of strength, his position in society — but notice this: God never answered Gideon’s excuses. He simply assured him, “I will be with you.”
That’s the essence of grace. Grace doesn’t focus on our qualifications; it magnifies God’s presence. When God’s grace is upon your life, it empowers you to do what you could never do on your own.
Gideon didn’t earn God’s favor. He didn’t seek it out or perform some ritual to receive it. God simply showed up and extended grace. That’s the mystery and beauty of divine favor — it’s not fair. God’s grace goes beyond what we deserve and calls us into what only He can accomplish through us.
Grace took a fearful, uncertain man and transformed him into a mighty warrior. The same grace still empowers us today. Even when we feel weak, overlooked, or unqualified, God’s grace equips us to fulfill His purpose.
When we stand in grace, we stand in God’s power, not our own.
Key Takeaways
Grace empowers, not excuses. God doesn’t remove our weakness; He works through it to reveal His strength.
Grace chooses the unlikely. God delights in using those who feel unqualified, proving that His power is greater than our limitations.
Grace meets us in our doubt. Like Gideon, we may question or hesitate, but God’s presence is the assurance that we are standing in His favor.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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