I recently had the privilege of studying the book of Judges. As I landed on the story of Gideon in chapter 6, I was deeply struck by the unfolding of his relationship with God—a journey of faith and growth that holds valuable lessons for us today. Though often told as a children’s story, it is rich with truths that challenge us as adults—reminding us that God not only sees us where we are, but also where He intends for us to be.

The real question is, How do I get there? How do I reach the place where God is using me for exactly what He has purposed? Gideon’s story offers a powerful guide for that very discovery.

Once again, in the book of Judges, Israel has turned away from God to idol worship. The pattern repeats—rebellion, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. God intervenes again and again to bring His people back to Himself.

When we meet Gideon, he’s hiding in a winepress, threshing wheat to keep it from the Midianites. After seven long years of oppression and desolation, the people cry out for help—and God calls Gideon.

“And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him, and said to him, ‘The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor!’” (Judges 6:12)

I imagine Gideon didn’t look or feel like a mighty man of valor. He was fearful, discouraged, and hiding from the Midianites. While not acting like a ‘mighty man of valor’, (hiding from the Midianites), God saw something different. He saw not only who Gideon was in that moment, but who he would become by trusting and walking with Him in purpose.

God needed Gideon’s gaze.

As Gideon began to offer excuses—reasons why God should choose someone else—God didn’t deny Gideon’s weaknesses. Instead, He gave three powerful assurances:

“The LORD is with you.”
“Have I not sent you?”
“Surely I will be with you.” (Judges 6:12–16)

God’s solution to our shortcomings is simple yet profound: If He has called you—He will be with you.

Think of how often God uses those who consider themselves unusable. It’s often in that moment of confession—“God, I can’t do this; I don’t see what You see”—that His power begins to work.

That’s what King Jehoshaphat understood in 2 Chronicles 20. Faced with a vast army, he confessed, “We have no power to face this great multitude… nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”

When we can’t see how to get from point A to point B, when we can’t imagine how God will fulfill His purposes in us, that’s when faith begins to work its way out in us:

“My eyes are upon You, O God. You make me a mighty warrior—brave, courageous, and willing. You have called me, You are sending me, and You will be with me.”

When our hearts and minds are fixed on Him, we begin to see not our limitations but His potential working through us.

Oh Lord, help us to keep our eyes firmly fixed on You.

Continue exploring with a Deep Dive into “My Eyes are on You” with reflection questions and scripture