Overcoming low self-esteem

Judges 6:36-40

Gideon overcame his weak self image to become a champion for God. He was the youngest son, of the poorest family, of the weakest tribe in Israel.. He was fearful. For seven years the Midianites would attack the Israelites and steal their crops. He suffered from low self-esteem but Gideon was valuable to God.

God called Gideon a mighty warrior but his faith was weak. He needs proof, so God patiently works to grow Gideon’s faith. God will encounter people in unbelief and lift them to a new level of service. A man told Jesus, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24).

John Wesley said, "Use what faith you have and God will give you more faith."

God is faithful to help you grow even when you feel like you have no faith at all. He grew Gideon’s faith by making him use the faith he already had.

Gideon would defeat Israel's enemies and bring 40 years of peace.

God has the big plan. He leads us along step by step. He knows us and our capabilities. He knows when we need reassurance and signs. Jesus didn’t call the disciples to turn the world upside down, change the Roman empire forever and die as martyrs, He simply said follow me and led them along step by step.

He starts us out in small ways that are close to home. I think we often fail to accomplish great things for God because we fail to be obedient in the small things.

You may think that you are a nobody but you are valuable to God . Jesus tells us, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? …

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? …

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:26-33)