April 7th, 2025
by Dalton Jenkins
by Dalton Jenkins
Stepping Up: Finding Courage in God's Call Despite Our Limitations
God calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things, regardless of their perceived limitations or abilities. Through examining key figures in the Book of Judges, we see how God empowers those who trust and obey Him, even when they feel inadequate.
Why Does God Call the Unlikely?
God often calls those who feel insecure or inadequate because His strength is made perfect in weakness. He doesn't call us based on who we are today, but on who we can become through His power. When we feel small and weak, that's often when God can use us most powerfully.
What Happens When We Hesitate to Answer God's Call?
Looking at the story of Barak and Deborah, we see how hesitation can cost us our victory. When Barak hesitated to lead without Deborah, he lost the honor of the victory. God wants us to respond promptly when He calls, not waiting for perfect circumstances or complete confidence in our abilities.
How Does God See Us Versus How We See Ourselves?
Through Gideon's story, we learn that God sees us not as we are, but as we can become. When God found Gideon hiding in fear, He addressed him as a "mighty warrior." God calls us according to our destiny, not our current limitations or circumstances.
What Happens When We Step Up Despite Fear?
Courage often comes after the call, not before it. Like Gideon, we may feel weak and inadequate, but God's presence makes even the weak become warriors. Our strength comes not from ourselves but from God's presence with us.
Life Application
This week, consider where God might be calling you to step up, even if you feel inadequate. Ask yourself:
Challenge: Take one step this week toward something God has been calling you to do, even if you feel inadequate. Remember that God's strength is made perfect in weakness, and He calls us not based on who we are, but on who He can help us become.
Why Does God Call the Unlikely?
God often calls those who feel insecure or inadequate because His strength is made perfect in weakness. He doesn't call us based on who we are today, but on who we can become through His power. When we feel small and weak, that's often when God can use us most powerfully.
What Happens When We Hesitate to Answer God's Call?
Looking at the story of Barak and Deborah, we see how hesitation can cost us our victory. When Barak hesitated to lead without Deborah, he lost the honor of the victory. God wants us to respond promptly when He calls, not waiting for perfect circumstances or complete confidence in our abilities.
How Does God See Us Versus How We See Ourselves?
Through Gideon's story, we learn that God sees us not as we are, but as we can become. When God found Gideon hiding in fear, He addressed him as a "mighty warrior." God calls us according to our destiny, not our current limitations or circumstances.
What Happens When We Step Up Despite Fear?
Courage often comes after the call, not before it. Like Gideon, we may feel weak and inadequate, but God's presence makes even the weak become warriors. Our strength comes not from ourselves but from God's presence with us.
Life Application
This week, consider where God might be calling you to step up, even if you feel inadequate. Ask yourself:
- What task or calling have I been hesitating to accept?
- Am I defining myself by my current limitations or by God's vision for my future?
- Where do I need to trust God's strength rather than my own abilities?
Challenge: Take one step this week toward something God has been calling you to do, even if you feel inadequate. Remember that God's strength is made perfect in weakness, and He calls us not based on who we are, but on who He can help us become.
Devotionals
God's pattern throughout history has been to call seemingly inadequate individuals to fulfill extraordinary purposes. Through examining key figures in the Book of Judges, we discover that divine power works most effectively through those who acknowledge their weaknesses. When God finds someone hiding in fear, like Gideon, He addresses them according to their potential rather than their present state.The contrast between Barak and Gideon provides valuable insights into responding to God's call. Barak's hesitation to lead without Deborah resulted in a diminished victory, while Gideon's eventual obedience, despite initial fear, led to tremendous success. These accounts demonstrate that God's strength becomes evident not in human capability, but through willing obedience and trust.The transformative power of accepting God's call lies not in personal adequacy but in divine enablement. When individuals step forward in faith, despite feeling inadequate, they experience God's strength in remarkable ways. This truth challenges us to define ourselves not by current limitations but by God's vision for our future, encouraging steps of faith even amid uncertainty.
Day 1: Called According to His Purpose
Devotional
Have you ever felt completely inadequate for a task God has placed before you? You're in good company. Throughout history, God has consistently chosen people who, by worldly standards, seemed utterly unqualified for their calling. This divine pattern isn't a mistake - it's intentional. When we feel insufficient, we're actually in the perfect position for God to display His power through us. Our inadequacies become the stage where God's adequacy shines brightest. Think about it: if we were completely capable on our own, where would the miracle be? Where would God's glory be displayed? Our weaknesses aren't obstacles to God's plan; they're opportunities for His power to be perfectly displayed.
Bible Verse
"The angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites." - Judges 6:11
Reflection Question
What area of your life do you feel most inadequate in right now, and how might God be wanting to use that very weakness to display His strength?
Quote
God doesn't call us because of who we are today, but because of who we can become tomorrow.
Prayer
Lord, help me to see my inadequacies not as limitations, but as opportunities for Your power to be displayed. Give me the courage to step forward in faith, knowing that Your strength is made perfect in my weakness. Amen.
REVERENCE
* Lord, You are the God who chooses the weak to confound the mighty. You see beyond our abilities and reveal Your strength through our inadequacies. I worship You for Your sovereign wisdom and power.
* Praise You, Lord, for showing up in unlikely places—like Gideon's winepress—and calling us forward in Your purpose.
RESPONSE
* Forgive me, Father, for focusing on my limitations rather than on Your sufficiency.
* I confess that I often allow feelings of inadequacy to paralyze my obedience to You.
REQUESTS
* Help me to trust You fully when I feel unqualified for the tasks You've given me.
* Display Your power through my weakness, and let Your name be glorified in the things I cannot do without You.
READINESS
* I offer my limitations to You, Lord. Use them as a canvas for Your power and glory.
* I step forward today, not in my strength, but in obedience to Your calling.
Day 2: Seeing Through God's Eyes
Devotional
Imagine being called 'mighty warrior' while hiding in fear. That's exactly what happened to Gideon. God didn't address him based on his current state - trembling in a winepress - but according to his future potential. This reveals a profound truth about how God sees us. While we often define ourselves by our present circumstances or past failures, God addresses us according to His vision for our lives. He sees beyond our current limitations to our future possibilities. This isn't just positive thinking; it's divine perspective. When God looks at you, He sees not just who you are, but who you're becoming through His power.
Bible Verse
"When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, 'The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.'" - Judges 6:12
Reflection Question
How would your approach to current challenges change if you truly saw yourself the way God sees you?
Quote
He doesn't call me my present name. He called me in my future name.
Prayer
Father, help me to see myself through Your eyes. Transform my self-perception from one based on my limitations to one based on Your vision for my life. Thank you for seeing my potential even when I can't. Amen.
REVERENCE
* God, You are the One who sees what we can become, not just what we are. You call things that are not as though they were.
* I praise You for seeing the "mighty warrior" in me, even when I feel like a failure.
RESPONSE
* Forgive me, Lord, for letting my identity be shaped by fear, failure, or others’ opinions instead of Your truth.
* I repent of agreeing with lies about who I am and what I'm capable of in You.
REQUESTS
* Father, help me to embrace Your perspective. Teach me to see myself and others through Your eternal vision.
* Reveal the gifts and callings You’ve placed in me that I’ve overlooked.
READINESS
* I choose to live today as who You say I am.
* I surrender my self-perception and accept Your identity over my life.
Day 3: The Courage to Step Forward
Devotional
Sometimes the hardest part of following God's call is taking that first step. Fear can paralyze us, making us hesitate like Barak who wouldn't go to battle without Deborah. Yet, God's pattern shows us that courage isn't a prerequisite for His call - it's a result of it. When we step out in faith, even with trembling knees, we discover that God's presence provides the courage we need. He doesn't expect us to have it all figured out before we begin. Instead, He asks us to trust Him enough to take that first step, knowing He will provide what we need along the way.
Bible Verse
"'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty." - Zechariah 4:6
Reflection Question
What step of faith is God asking you to take today, and what's holding you back from taking it?
Quote
Courage comes after the call. Not because you feel you are well equipped, not because you feel that you have made it. But courage is going to come after the call.
Prayer
Dear God, grant me the courage to step forward in faith, even when I feel afraid. Help me to trust not in my own strength, but in Your presence and power. Amen.
REVERENCE
* You are the Lord of Hosts, the God who gives courage to the faint-hearted. It is by Your Spirit, not by might or power, that we are strengthened.
* I exalt You for calling us before we feel ready, and for giving us courage as we go.
RESPONSE
* Lord, forgive me for hesitating in fear and waiting until I feel prepared instead of trusting Your call.
* I repent for the times I’ve said “no” or delayed obedience because I doubted You’d be with me.
REQUESTS
* Give me courage to take the next step of faith, no matter how small.
* Strengthen my heart to obey even when the path is unclear.
READINESS
* I’m stepping forward, Lord. I don’t have to have all the answers—I just need You.
* I yield to Your Spirit. Lead me today.
Day 4: From Fear to Faith
Devotional
Every hero of faith started somewhere, and often that somewhere was a place of fear. Like Gideon, who began his journey hiding in a winepress, our story of faith doesn't have to start with courage - it just needs to start with a 'yes' to God. The beautiful thing about God's work in our lives is that He specializes in transforming fear into faith. He takes our trembling starts and turns them into triumphant finishes. This transformation doesn't happen overnight, but through a journey of small steps of obedience, each one building our trust in God's faithfulness.
Bible Verse
"Then the LORD turned to him and said, 'Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?'" - Judges 6:14
Reflection Question
Can you identify a time when God transformed your fear into faith? How can that experience encourage you in your current challenges?
Quote
Like Gideon's story begins with fear, but it ends with faith.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for being patient with my fears and faithful to transform them into faith. Help me to remember that you are working in my life, turning my weaknesses into strength. Amen.
REVERENCE
* God, You are patient and kind, transforming trembling hearts into faithful warriors. You begin good works and bring them to completion.
* I worship You for walking with me through fear, and turning every "no" into a future "yes."
RESPONSE
* Forgive me for giving more attention to my fears than to Your promises.
* I repent of doubting Your ability to work through my weaknesses.
REQUESTS
* Lord, keep shaping me. Take my trembling "yes" and turn it into faith-filled obedience.
* Use past victories to fuel present courage. Remind me that You are always with me.
READINESS
* I say “yes” again today—even if my voice trembles.
* I’m willing to trust You step by step, fear into faith, start to finish.
Day 5: Victory for Many
Devotional
When God calls us to step out in faith, it's never just about us. Our obedience, though personal, has far-reaching implications. Think about it: Gideon's victory wasn't just for himself - it brought deliverance to all of Israel. Similarly, our faithfulness to God's call can impact countless others in ways we may never fully understand. This truth adds weight to our calling but also brings incredible meaning to our struggles. When we feel overwhelmed by what God is asking of us, we can take comfort in knowing that our obedience could be the key to someone else's breakthrough.
Bible Verse
"After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad. He too saved Israel." - Judges 3:31
Reflection Question
How might your current struggle and eventual victory be designed to encourage others in their faith journey?
Quote
Your victory through what you're going through is not just for you alone, but it encourages the hearts of the believers that God is still in the business caring for his people.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to see beyond my personal challenges to the bigger picture of Your work. Use my journey of faith to bring hope and encouragement to others. Amen.
REVERENCE
* You are the God of generations, and Your victories extend beyond individual lives. What You do in one life brings blessing to many.
* I praise You for the ripple effects of obedience and for using ordinary people like Gideon and Shamgar to bring extraordinary deliverance.
RESPONSE
* Forgive me for thinking my struggles are only about me.
* I repent of self-centered thinking when I should be kingdom-minded in my perspective.
REQUESTS
* Let my victories be testimonies that inspire faith in others.
* Use my journey—my obedience, struggles, and triumphs—to encourage those around me, especially in my family, church, and community.
READINESS
* Here I am, Lord—use me for the good of others.
* Let my life be a living message of Your faithfulness and power to deliver.
Day 1: Called According to His Purpose
Devotional
Have you ever felt completely inadequate for a task God has placed before you? You're in good company. Throughout history, God has consistently chosen people who, by worldly standards, seemed utterly unqualified for their calling. This divine pattern isn't a mistake - it's intentional. When we feel insufficient, we're actually in the perfect position for God to display His power through us. Our inadequacies become the stage where God's adequacy shines brightest. Think about it: if we were completely capable on our own, where would the miracle be? Where would God's glory be displayed? Our weaknesses aren't obstacles to God's plan; they're opportunities for His power to be perfectly displayed.
Bible Verse
"The angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites." - Judges 6:11
Reflection Question
What area of your life do you feel most inadequate in right now, and how might God be wanting to use that very weakness to display His strength?
Quote
God doesn't call us because of who we are today, but because of who we can become tomorrow.
Prayer
Lord, help me to see my inadequacies not as limitations, but as opportunities for Your power to be displayed. Give me the courage to step forward in faith, knowing that Your strength is made perfect in my weakness. Amen.
REVERENCE
* Lord, You are the God who chooses the weak to confound the mighty. You see beyond our abilities and reveal Your strength through our inadequacies. I worship You for Your sovereign wisdom and power.
* Praise You, Lord, for showing up in unlikely places—like Gideon's winepress—and calling us forward in Your purpose.
RESPONSE
* Forgive me, Father, for focusing on my limitations rather than on Your sufficiency.
* I confess that I often allow feelings of inadequacy to paralyze my obedience to You.
REQUESTS
* Help me to trust You fully when I feel unqualified for the tasks You've given me.
* Display Your power through my weakness, and let Your name be glorified in the things I cannot do without You.
READINESS
* I offer my limitations to You, Lord. Use them as a canvas for Your power and glory.
* I step forward today, not in my strength, but in obedience to Your calling.
Day 2: Seeing Through God's Eyes
Devotional
Imagine being called 'mighty warrior' while hiding in fear. That's exactly what happened to Gideon. God didn't address him based on his current state - trembling in a winepress - but according to his future potential. This reveals a profound truth about how God sees us. While we often define ourselves by our present circumstances or past failures, God addresses us according to His vision for our lives. He sees beyond our current limitations to our future possibilities. This isn't just positive thinking; it's divine perspective. When God looks at you, He sees not just who you are, but who you're becoming through His power.
Bible Verse
"When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, 'The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.'" - Judges 6:12
Reflection Question
How would your approach to current challenges change if you truly saw yourself the way God sees you?
Quote
He doesn't call me my present name. He called me in my future name.
Prayer
Father, help me to see myself through Your eyes. Transform my self-perception from one based on my limitations to one based on Your vision for my life. Thank you for seeing my potential even when I can't. Amen.
REVERENCE
* God, You are the One who sees what we can become, not just what we are. You call things that are not as though they were.
* I praise You for seeing the "mighty warrior" in me, even when I feel like a failure.
RESPONSE
* Forgive me, Lord, for letting my identity be shaped by fear, failure, or others’ opinions instead of Your truth.
* I repent of agreeing with lies about who I am and what I'm capable of in You.
REQUESTS
* Father, help me to embrace Your perspective. Teach me to see myself and others through Your eternal vision.
* Reveal the gifts and callings You’ve placed in me that I’ve overlooked.
READINESS
* I choose to live today as who You say I am.
* I surrender my self-perception and accept Your identity over my life.
Day 3: The Courage to Step Forward
Devotional
Sometimes the hardest part of following God's call is taking that first step. Fear can paralyze us, making us hesitate like Barak who wouldn't go to battle without Deborah. Yet, God's pattern shows us that courage isn't a prerequisite for His call - it's a result of it. When we step out in faith, even with trembling knees, we discover that God's presence provides the courage we need. He doesn't expect us to have it all figured out before we begin. Instead, He asks us to trust Him enough to take that first step, knowing He will provide what we need along the way.
Bible Verse
"'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty." - Zechariah 4:6
Reflection Question
What step of faith is God asking you to take today, and what's holding you back from taking it?
Quote
Courage comes after the call. Not because you feel you are well equipped, not because you feel that you have made it. But courage is going to come after the call.
Prayer
Dear God, grant me the courage to step forward in faith, even when I feel afraid. Help me to trust not in my own strength, but in Your presence and power. Amen.
REVERENCE
* You are the Lord of Hosts, the God who gives courage to the faint-hearted. It is by Your Spirit, not by might or power, that we are strengthened.
* I exalt You for calling us before we feel ready, and for giving us courage as we go.
RESPONSE
* Lord, forgive me for hesitating in fear and waiting until I feel prepared instead of trusting Your call.
* I repent for the times I’ve said “no” or delayed obedience because I doubted You’d be with me.
REQUESTS
* Give me courage to take the next step of faith, no matter how small.
* Strengthen my heart to obey even when the path is unclear.
READINESS
* I’m stepping forward, Lord. I don’t have to have all the answers—I just need You.
* I yield to Your Spirit. Lead me today.
Day 4: From Fear to Faith
Devotional
Every hero of faith started somewhere, and often that somewhere was a place of fear. Like Gideon, who began his journey hiding in a winepress, our story of faith doesn't have to start with courage - it just needs to start with a 'yes' to God. The beautiful thing about God's work in our lives is that He specializes in transforming fear into faith. He takes our trembling starts and turns them into triumphant finishes. This transformation doesn't happen overnight, but through a journey of small steps of obedience, each one building our trust in God's faithfulness.
Bible Verse
"Then the LORD turned to him and said, 'Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?'" - Judges 6:14
Reflection Question
Can you identify a time when God transformed your fear into faith? How can that experience encourage you in your current challenges?
Quote
Like Gideon's story begins with fear, but it ends with faith.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for being patient with my fears and faithful to transform them into faith. Help me to remember that you are working in my life, turning my weaknesses into strength. Amen.
REVERENCE
* God, You are patient and kind, transforming trembling hearts into faithful warriors. You begin good works and bring them to completion.
* I worship You for walking with me through fear, and turning every "no" into a future "yes."
RESPONSE
* Forgive me for giving more attention to my fears than to Your promises.
* I repent of doubting Your ability to work through my weaknesses.
REQUESTS
* Lord, keep shaping me. Take my trembling "yes" and turn it into faith-filled obedience.
* Use past victories to fuel present courage. Remind me that You are always with me.
READINESS
* I say “yes” again today—even if my voice trembles.
* I’m willing to trust You step by step, fear into faith, start to finish.
Day 5: Victory for Many
Devotional
When God calls us to step out in faith, it's never just about us. Our obedience, though personal, has far-reaching implications. Think about it: Gideon's victory wasn't just for himself - it brought deliverance to all of Israel. Similarly, our faithfulness to God's call can impact countless others in ways we may never fully understand. This truth adds weight to our calling but also brings incredible meaning to our struggles. When we feel overwhelmed by what God is asking of us, we can take comfort in knowing that our obedience could be the key to someone else's breakthrough.
Bible Verse
"After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad. He too saved Israel." - Judges 3:31
Reflection Question
How might your current struggle and eventual victory be designed to encourage others in their faith journey?
Quote
Your victory through what you're going through is not just for you alone, but it encourages the hearts of the believers that God is still in the business caring for his people.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to see beyond my personal challenges to the bigger picture of Your work. Use my journey of faith to bring hope and encouragement to others. Amen.
REVERENCE
* You are the God of generations, and Your victories extend beyond individual lives. What You do in one life brings blessing to many.
* I praise You for the ripple effects of obedience and for using ordinary people like Gideon and Shamgar to bring extraordinary deliverance.
RESPONSE
* Forgive me for thinking my struggles are only about me.
* I repent of self-centered thinking when I should be kingdom-minded in my perspective.
REQUESTS
* Let my victories be testimonies that inspire faith in others.
* Use my journey—my obedience, struggles, and triumphs—to encourage those around me, especially in my family, church, and community.
READINESS
* Here I am, Lord—use me for the good of others.
* Let my life be a living message of Your faithfulness and power to deliver.
Small Group Discussion
The sermon focuses on God's call for believers to 'step up' and serve, using examples from the Book of Judges. Through the stories of Barak, Deborah, Jael, and Gideon, the pastor emphasizes that God calls and empowers ordinary people to do extraordinary things, regardless of their perceived limitations. The message highlights that hesitation can cost us opportunities, while bold obedience leads to victory.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word, open our hearts and minds to receive what You have for us today. Help us to see ourselves as You see us - not through our limitations, but through Your unlimited power and purpose. Give us the courage to step up when You call, knowing that You equip those whom You call. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
Share a time when you felt inadequate for a task but decided to try anyway. What was the outcome?
Key Verses
Judges 4:8-9
Judges 6:12
Judges 6:15-16
Questions
How does hesitation affect our spiritual journey and God's plans for us?
What are some ways we can recognize God's call in our lives?
Why do you think God often chooses to use people who feel inadequate?
How does God's view of us differ from how we see ourselves?
What role does faith play in stepping up to God's calling?
How can we overcome fear when God calls us to do something challenging?
What does it mean that God calls us by our destiny rather than our current position?
How can we support others who are stepping up to answer God's call?
Life Application
This week, identify one area where God may be calling you to step up and serve. Take one concrete step toward answering that call, even if you feel inadequate. Remember that God doesn't call the equipped - He equips the called.
Key Takeaways
Ending Prayer
Lord, thank You for calling us despite our weaknesses and insecurities. Give us the courage to step up when You call, knowing that Your strength is made perfect in our weakness. Help us to see ourselves through Your eyes and to trust in Your empowering presence. May we boldly answer Your call, knowing that You will equip us for whatever You've called us to do. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word, open our hearts and minds to receive what You have for us today. Help us to see ourselves as You see us - not through our limitations, but through Your unlimited power and purpose. Give us the courage to step up when You call, knowing that You equip those whom You call. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
Share a time when you felt inadequate for a task but decided to try anyway. What was the outcome?
Key Verses
Judges 4:8-9
Judges 6:12
Judges 6:15-16
Questions
How does hesitation affect our spiritual journey and God's plans for us?
What are some ways we can recognize God's call in our lives?
Why do you think God often chooses to use people who feel inadequate?
How does God's view of us differ from how we see ourselves?
What role does faith play in stepping up to God's calling?
How can we overcome fear when God calls us to do something challenging?
What does it mean that God calls us by our destiny rather than our current position?
How can we support others who are stepping up to answer God's call?
Life Application
This week, identify one area where God may be calling you to step up and serve. Take one concrete step toward answering that call, even if you feel inadequate. Remember that God doesn't call the equipped - He equips the called.
Key Takeaways
- God calls and empowers ordinary people to do extraordinary things
- Hesitation can cost us opportunities for victory
- God sees us not as we are, but as what we can become through His power
- Our current position or limitations don't define our destiny in God
Ending Prayer
Lord, thank You for calling us despite our weaknesses and insecurities. Give us the courage to step up when You call, knowing that Your strength is made perfect in our weakness. Help us to see ourselves through Your eyes and to trust in Your empowering presence. May we boldly answer Your call, knowing that You will equip us for whatever You've called us to do. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Dalton Jenkins
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