I'm a Nobody!

In the modern world of social media, it can be easy to feel as if you don’t matter, especially when compared with the rest of the world.

What we often forget is that social media is literally the highlight reel of many people's lives and very seldom do we see the raw, behind-the-scenes footage.

When starting The Lion Within Us we began by looking around and see how others were doing ministry and thoughtfully considering the impact they were making. What began to occur was that we would visit a website or listen to a podcast to get a feel for their impact and immediately began feeling defeated. It was instantaneous at times when examining another ministry where the thoughts would flood in saying there was no way we could help anyone because, at the end of the day, I’m a nobody.

Fortunately there was someone who felt that same way in the Bible and it was his brutal honesty that was so encouraging. Gideon was called for an important duty and his first response was to remind God that he was a nobody. Talk about an eye-opening moment. That would be like trying to tell a butcher how to cut meat - they know how to do that already.

Yet Gideon did what we all do if we are honest with each other. He was playing the victim of his circumstance card, and he tried to let that define him. Then we keep reading and we see how he moved past the victim mentality and embraced what God was calling him to do and incredible things began to occur, again not on his own accord but because of his willingness to take steps of obedience.

In all reality Gideon was in a difficult situation and he was responding as many of us do when the going gets tough. It could be said that Gideon was a victim of his circumstances and he was allowing his victimhood to define him. Instead what God was revealing to Gideon was that no matter his history, he was being called to serve; and service itself is the focus that will give him the strength to see beyond his own narcissistic victimhood. Then we see how he moved past the victim mentality and embraced what God was calling him to do. Incredible things began to occur, again not on his own accord but because of his willingness to take steps of obedience.

Consider this idea -- the identity we tell ourselves is the one we believe. Gideon was both things, a person capable of getting into his perspective of circumstance and a person capable of serving (moving beyond himself and being a successful implementer of God’s plan). When considering this in modern life, my sense is that we often let comparison steal our joy and therefore we distrust or don’t take the leap of focus and faith to serve God and live out the lives like Gideon that God is calling us to live.

I’m not sure who needs to hear this, but if you are having thoughts that you are a nobody please recognize that those are lies from the evil one and I implore you to send them back to the gates of hell where they belong. Remember that you, my friend, are exactly who God wanted you to be - no flaws, no mistakes, and fearfully and wonderfully made. Hold that head high and be on fire to do what He is calling you to today!

Questions to Consider

1. How can Gideon's initial response to God's call inspire us to overcome feelings of inadequacy in our own lives?
2. In what ways do you think modern social media influences our perception of self-worth, similar to Gideon's self-view before God's reassurance?