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
“Christian, improve this, when oppressed with the weight of any duty and service, which in thy place and calling lies upon thee. Perhaps thou findest thy duty of thy calling too heavy for thy weak shoulders, make bold by faith to lay the heaviest end of thy burden on God’s shoulder, which is thine (if a believer) as sure as God can make it by promise.
When at any time thou art sick of thy work, and ready to think with Jonah to run from it, encourage thyself with that of God to Gideon, whom he called from the flail to thrash the mountains, ‘Go in this thy might,’ hath not God called thee? Fall to the work God sets thee about, and thou engagest His strength for thee.
The way of the Lord is strength. Run from thy work, and thou engagest God’s strength against thee; Ge will send some storm or other after thee to bring home His runaway servant. How oft hath the coward been killed in a ditch, or under some hedge, when the valiant soldier stood his ground and kept his place got off with safety and honor?
Art thou called to suffer? Flinch not because thou art afraid, thou shalt never be able to bear the cross; God can lay it so even, thou shalt not feel it, though thou shouldst find no succor till thou comest to the prison door, yea, till thou hast one foot on the ladder, or thy neck on the block, despair not… He can give thee so much comfort.”
William Gurnall (1617-1679) famous Puritan clergyman known for the classic work, “The Christian in Complete Armour” (page 22) which is his treatise on the saints’ war against the devil (Ephesians 6:10-20).
God continues to surprise me with the way my reading relates to Holy Week. We is silent Wednesday as we don’t hear much from Jesus. Scholars note that it was likely the day Judas betrayed Jesus, which charted the course of His suffering.
Even as God had a plan for Jonah, Gideon, and Jesus, he has a path marked for you and it likely includes suffering. Go in His strength, friend, and when the way includes suffering, you count on His strength and comfort.
But whatever you do, please, do not allow fear or the desire for comfort and safety to keep you from going. His cross for you – like the cross Jesus bore – is for your good and God’s glory. It’s always the way to go!
You cannot experience the generosity of God to pour out strength and comfort unless you move toward sacrifice and suffering in your living, giving, serving, and loving. Make that your aim this week and in life after Lent.
You’ve got this. God’s got you! And His strength is matchless and comfort is generous.