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Tuesday, August 17, 1999

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Judges 6:11-24
Psalm 85
Matthew 19:23-30

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go as you are

"Go with the strength you have and save Israel." —Judges 6:14

Gideon was trying to stave off starvation by secretly "beating out wheat in the wine press" (Jgs 6:11). Gideon's family was the least significant of the half-tribe of Manasseh, and Gideon was the most insignificant member of his family (Jgs 6:15). Gideon had very little going for him. However, he didn't need much strength because the Lord didn't send forth Gideon with great strength but only with the strength he had, as limited as it was.

You may have very little going for you, but you must merely go with what you have. You may not have much money, but if you give your widow's mite (Lk 21:4) and all your loaves and fish, few though they are, the Lord will miraculously multiply them (Jn 6:9ff). You may be very weak, but the Lord's power will be perfected in your weakness (2 Cor 12:9), if you only go in the name of the Lord with what you have. You may be considered absurd (1 Cor 1:27), lowborn, and despised, but the Lord will use you to shame the strong and "to reduce to nothing those who were something" (1 Cor 1:28). By faith, go with the little you have. Be God's champion (Jgs 6:12).

Prayer:  Father, may I be content with what You have given me, and confident in You.

Promise:  "Moreover, everyone who has given up home, brothers or sisters, father or mother, wife or children or property for My sake will receive many times as much and inherit everlasting life." —Mt 19:29

Praise:  Orlando heard God tell him to pray for a woman named "Eleanor" at a reunion he was attending. There was an "Eleanor" at the reunion. Orlando talked to her and discovered that she had suffered a leg injury. He prayed with her, and Jesus healed her leg.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, February 22, 1999


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 24, 1999