Skip to main content

Victim or Warrior?

Judges 6:12

Then the Angel of the LORD appeared to him (Gideon) and said: “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.”

Gideon hardly looked like a mighty warrior. He was threshing wheat in wine vat in an attempt to hide it from the Midianites, who had stolen all their crops and left them hungry. They lived in fear of the Midianites, who wasted Israel’s land with their large herds of cattle to take what they did not sow and what was not rightfully theirs. The Israelites worked and raised the crops while the Midianites just came in and took it all.

Gideon had heard all the stories of how God had delivered his people from bondage, but he had not seen those kinds of blessings in his day. He could not sense the LORD’s presence with them at all. Gideon was the youngest son from the weakest tribe (Manasseh). He certainly did not feel like a mighty warrior. Certainly, he saw himself as a victim of injustice.

How we see ourselves will determine our actions. Gideon retreated as a victim and tried to hide his crops from the enemy. If we see ourselves as victims of others or of society, we will hide the things God has given us. The Angel of the LORD, however, called Gideon a mighty warrior because of the plan God had for him. He saw Gideon’s potential and reminded him that God was with him. If God was with him, he was not a victim but a victor. He had the power to overcome the Midianites and take back what was rightfully his.

How do you see yourself today? If you’ve been hurt by others, you may very well see yourself as a victim. If someone has taken from you and left a huge void in your life, you may feel injustice. With God, however, you don’t have to remain a victim. He assures you victory if you will just step forth in His plan for you. Don’t hide what He has given you. Put it to use for His glory. He will be with you to give you victory in your fight.

Begin to attack your fears with the faith of a mighty warrior. God does not want you hiding and hoarding in fear. He’s created and destined you for greater things, but you have to begin seeing yourself as more than a victim. Seek His presence daily, and walk forth in what He shows you. He will lead you into battle to assure your victory. A victim submits to its perpetrator, but a warrior overcomes. Decide which you will be.

Have a blessed day!

PHOEBE Connections, Inc. is a 501(c)3 dedicated to enhancing the lives of widows by building relationships and helping them find new identity in Jesus Christ through serving others. We promote an atmosphere of fellowship, where the widow can connect with other widows to develop friendships and supportive relationships.