When God Calls, He Equips
Throughout history, individuals have been called upon to undertake monumental tasks that seem insurmountable. From facing giants and leading nations in the Old Testament, to standing up for something that isn’t right at work today, these challenges can seem overwhelming.
However, time and again, we see in the pages of Scripture how God equips those He calls to accomplish extraordinary feats. Here we will explore the stories of six biblical figures – Moses, David, Gideon, Joseph, Daniel, and Peter – and witness how God's empowerment enabled them to fulfill their destinies.
Moses: Leading the Exodus
The story of Moses is one of the most well-known tales of divine empowerment. Born into adversity, Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. Despite his initial reluctance and insecurities (he had a speech impediment – how could he lead God’s people out of Egypt??), God equipped Moses with everything he needed to fulfill his calling.
When Moses encountered the burning bush on Mount Horeb, God assured him, "I will be with you" (Exodus 3:12). This divine presence provided Moses with the confidence to confront Pharaoh, perform miraculous signs, and eventually lead the Israelites through the Red Sea to freedom.
God equipped Moses not only with supernatural abilities but also with wisdom, guidance, and resilience in the face of opposition. Through his obedience and God's empowerment, Moses became one of the greatest leaders in Israelite history.
David: Confronting Goliath
The story of David and Goliath is a timeless tale of courage and divine intervention. When the Philistine giant Goliath taunted the Israelite army, David, a young shepherd boy, stepped forward to face him. Despite being vastly outnumbered and outmatched, David's faith in God's empowerment propelled him forward.
David refused to rely on conventional armor or weaponry, instead trusting in the Lord alone. As he faced Goliath, he declared, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty" (1 Samuel 17:45).
With a single stone and a sling, David struck down the giant, demonstrating that God's strength is made perfect in weakness. Can you imagine that, that a young teenager killed a decorated war hero who also just so happened to be huge? This is such a powerful example of God using ordinary people to do the seemingly impossible through the work of His hand.
This victory not only secured David's place as a hero of Israel but also exemplified how God equips His chosen ones with the courage and resourcefulness to overcome seemingly impossible odds.
Gideon: From Fear to Valor
Gideon's story is a testament to God's ability to transform fear into valor. When the Midianites oppressed the Israelites, God called upon Gideon to deliver his people. Despite his initial doubts and reservations, Gideon obeyed God's command and rallied an army. In fact, Gideon’s pushback to God was that he was of the least of the families of the least of the tribes in Israel.
God had other plans though. He instructed Gideon to reduce his army from thousands to a mere three hundred men to prove that the victory they would find was undoubtedly due to God. With this small but mighty force, God assured Gideon of victory over the Midianites.
Armed with trumpets, torches, and clay pots, Gideon's unconventional army descended upon the Midianite camp and struck fear into their hearts. The confusion sown among the enemy ranks led to their defeat, showcasing God's power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Through Gideon's story, we learn that God equips His servants not with overwhelming force, but with unwavering faith and obedience. When we surrender our fears and doubts to Him, He empowers us to accomplish His purposes beyond our wildest imaginations.
Joseph: From Slavery to Palace
The story of Joseph is a remarkable testament to God's faithfulness in the face of adversity. Sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, Joseph endured years of hardship and injustice. Yet, through God's providence and empowerment, Joseph rose from the depths of despair to become a powerful ruler in Egypt.
Despite the trials he faced, Joseph remained steadfast in his faith, trusting in God's plan for his life. When falsely accused and imprisoned, Joseph interpreted dreams that ultimately led to his exaltation to the second highest position in the land.
God equipped Joseph with the wisdom to navigate political intrigue, the discernment to interpret dreams, and the humility to forgive those who had wronged him. Through Joseph's obedience and God's empowerment, he was able to save countless lives during a time of famine and reconcile with his family. Because of this, Abraham’s legacy continued as God promised back in Genesis.
Joseph's story serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of circumstances, God is at work behind the scenes, orchestrating events for our good and His glory. He equips us with the strength and resilience to persevere, knowing that His plans for us are greater than we can imagine.
Daniel: Standing Firm in Faith
Daniel's unwavering faith in the face of adversity is a testament to God's empowerment in the lives of His servants. As a respected advisor in the Babylonian court, Daniel's integrity and devotion to God stirred jealousy among his peers, leading to a decree that forbade anyone from petitioning any god or man except King Darius.
Undeterred by the decree, Daniel continued to pray to his God openly. His unwavering commitment to his faith led to his arrest and sentencing to be thrown into a den of hungry lions.
Despite the imminent danger, Daniel remained steadfast in his trust in God's sovereignty. As he was cast into the lion's den, King Darius uttered words of encouragement, saying, "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!" (Daniel 6:16).
Throughout the night, God's divine protection was evident as He sent His angel to shut the mouths of the lions. At daybreak, King Darius rushed to the den and found Daniel unharmed, a testament to God's faithfulness and Daniel's unwavering faith.
This miraculous deliverance not only vindicated Daniel but also led King Darius to proclaim the greatness of Daniel's God throughout the land. Daniel's courage in the face of certain death serves as an inspiring example of God's empowerment and protection for those who remain faithful to Him.
Through Daniel's story, we learn that even in the midst of adversity and danger, God is with us, providing strength, protection, and deliverance. When we trust in Him wholeheartedly, He equips us with the courage and resilience to face any challenge, knowing that He is always by our side.
Peter: From Fisherman to Apostle
Peter's transformation from a simple fisherman to a bold apostle is a testament to God's empowerment and grace. Despite his impulsive nature and tendency to doubt, Jesus saw potential in Peter and called him to be a disciple.
Throughout his time with Jesus, Peter witnessed miracles, heard profound teachings, and experienced personal failures. However, it was not until after Jesus' resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost that Peter truly came into his own as a leader of the early church.
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter boldly proclaimed the gospel message, performed miracles, and fearlessly faced persecution. God equipped Peter with the words and wisdom to preach to thousands, leading many to faith in Christ.
Despite his flaws and shortcomings, Peter's story reminds us that God's empowerment is not contingent upon our perfection but on His grace. When we surrender our weaknesses to Him, He transforms them into strengths for His glory.
The stories of Moses, David, Gideon, Joseph, Daniel, and Peter serve as powerful reminders of God's faithfulness and empowerment in the lives of His servants. Despite their doubts, fears, and shortcomings, these biblical figures stepped out in faith and obedience, trusting in God's provision and guidance.
As we face our own challenges and uncertainties, may we draw inspiration from these stories and take comfort in the knowledge that the same God who equipped Moses to lead a nation, David to conquer a giant, and Peter to preach the gospel empowers us to fulfill our own callings and destinies.
Because with God, nothing is impossible. If He called you to do it, He will equip you to do it.
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