In Over Your Head

Ruth

The LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, ‘My own strength has saved me.’”

—Judges 7:2

We’ve all been there. A new job, different season, or set of circumstances in which we felt in over our head. Gideon, one of Israel’s judges in the Old Testament, was no exception. He was tasked with leading the Israelites against one of their enemies, the Midianites.

It seemed Israel had more than enough fighting men, with a rather large and robust army. So their task was manageable. Doable. Not too terribly scary. Until the Lord told Gideon to send tens of thousands of fighting men home. Why?

In Judges 7:2, the Lord told Gideon he had “too many men.” If they went to war and won, they would think it was in their own strength. Their own power and resourcefulness would get the glory. They’d say, “My own strength has saved me.” So God whittled down their army to just a few hundred men. Victory would be theirs, but ultimately the victory would be God’s!

It seems that often times, when we feel in over our heads, we are exactly where God wants us. When we feel overwhelmed by a new job, maybe a ministry position at church, or a new opportunity, the feeling of being in over our heads might be exactly where God wants us because it is no longer about us.

When we feel in over our heads, we have no choice but to trust God. To seek His wisdom. To cling to His promises of faithfulness and power. In other words, when we feel unprepared, overwhelmed, or underqualified, we are in a great position for God to get the glory He deserves.

So don’t be afraid to prayerfully try something new. Don’t be discouraged or worried about being in too deep or in over your head. You just might be exactly where you are supposed to be. Let God be the One to come through and the One to get the praise!

Lord, I need Your strength. You alone are the One who gives me power, wisdom, and victory. Would You go before me, lead me, and give me all I need to accomplish what You have called me to? I trust You. I am looking to You. Help me live for Your glory and not my own. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where do you feel in over your head?

How has fear of failure kept you from obeying God?