The world tells you to believe in yourself. But in actuality, you should believe that God believes in you. Read what God said to Joshua before taking over the promised land:
„Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
How must Joshua have felt when God spoke these significant words over him? Joshua had already witnessed how God led the Israelites through the parted sea and the desert. He knew that with God, everything is possible. And this God, for whom everything is possible, empowers him to take possession of the promised land.
God believes in us. Just as he commissioned Joshua to lead the Israelites, he still gives us tasks today. He calls us to proclaim His word and make His name great in the world. God calls us to be there for other people, tell them about Him, build His church, raise children, or pursue various professions. God empowers and enables us. This does not mean that we can do everything perfectly, but that we have been given gifts to develop further.
This is also the secret to healthy self-confidence: knowing that we are capable. And how could we truly believe that we are capable if not for the Creator Himself to empower us?
So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own.’” Joshua 1:10-11
Knowing God is with us and empowers us unleashes the strength to take action. This assurance can lift us out of weakness and enable us to actively live out our faith.
Joshua knew that with his abilities and God’s help, he could overcome anything God called him to. He understood his capabilities and his specific role in conquering the land, and leading the people. Yet, he also knew that only God could guide the way and deliver the land into their hands (Joshua 6:2). Joshua had no reason to fear or despair because God was with him. The one true God would pave the way, and He would deliver the land into the hands of the Israelites. With all His possibilities and abundant grace, He is also with us today.
Gideon, too, experienced God powerfully standing behind him. When the Midianites oppressed the people of Israel, Gideon turned to God in lament. Once again, God sent a person to carry out His will:
The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” Judges 6:14
Gideon was obviously surprised by God’s response. He wondered how he, who came from the weakest tribe and was the least of his family, was supposed to save an entire nation. But God assured him that he would be with him. Sometimes all we need is the assurance that God is behind us and that he is with us. Because with God, we can do everything he calls us to do.
God believed in Gideon, Joshua, and many other people from the Bible. He also believes in us today and trusts us to master our lives and carry out his will. God has a wonderful calling for every single person. We are an important part of God’s kingdom and are empowered by Him to fulfill our calling.
The true focal point of trust is this: Do you genuinely believe that God believes in you? Do you trust that God stands behind you and that His grace is sufficient? Do you believe that He has equipped you with everything you need to navigate through life? Do you trust that your Creator has crafted you well enough?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for calling and empowering me. Thank you for standing behind me and being for me. Help me truly trust in You, that You have created me well enough. You have equipped me and assisted me with every step. Thank you for never abandoning me but always being with me and believing in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflective Question:
Do you sometimes struggle to believe that God has equipped you?
If so, what hinders you?
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This was the first of 50 devotions from my book about trusting God.
It launched in German, but I hope and pray that one day I can publish my book in English and share those valuable devotions about trusting God with all of you.
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1 reply on “Whom God calls, He also empowers”
Danke für diese Nachricht, diesen Blogpost, in meiner schwrrsten Stunde, in der ich verzweifelt bin, weil ich vielleicht den Mann den ich liebe und der mich liebt, verliere. Ich vertraue auf Gott, das er mich leitet, beschützt und ihn zurück zu mir führt. Voll Vertrauen übergebe ich die Situation dir lieber Gott.