CM 004 – The Least Likely To Succeed

The Least Likely To Succeed – Gideon and Reliance on God (Judges 6 & 7)

Many people who succeeded in various endeavors first felt inadequate before others confirmed those fears and convictions for them or God told them otherwise. Gideon believed he was the least likely to be chosen or succeed until God called, inspired and told him otherwise. Apostle Paul was least likely to die for Christians until God called and changed his life. Moses felt inadequate to lead but God insisted upon him. All of Jesus’ apostles wanted to run from their calling but continued and succeeded because they believed what Jesus said (Mark 9: 23), “everything is possible for him who believes.”

There is hardly a college student who never faced academic obstacles that tested his ability or shook her self confidence. In some cases when one is among better prepared students or those who appear to be privileged or more gifted, the feeling of inadequacy may rattle one’s self confidence and trust in God.

Jesus told his disciples “let’s go over to the other side” but he never told them that there would never be storms. Though one storm came to them as a surprise, it was normal. As in life, college students experience academic and personal storms and the wise students run to Jesus (Mark 4: 35-41) for strength and deliverance. Because storms are universal and natural occurrences, response is always the difference between success and failure.

Application

God is not limited our talents and abilities
Storms test our faith and set boundaries
The feeling of inadequacy arises whenever we are stretched
Fear and faith are opposites: one is natural and the other is spiritual; the first conjures risks and failures and second visions opportunities and successes
Students who gather and harness supportive resources and persist usually succeed, while those who quit fail

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