Strength in Weakness — Why God Uses the Unlikely
Key Text:
“And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” — Judges 6:15 (KJV)
If Moses struggled with insecurity, Gideon struggled with insignificance.
When God called Gideon, he wasn’t leading an army or standing on a platform. He was hiding. The Bible says he was threshing wheat in secret, trying not to be noticed by the enemy. He didn’t see himself as brave, important, or capable. He saw himself as small.
And yet, God saw a mighty warrior.
“And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.” — Judges 6:12 (KJV)
That greeting must have sounded confusing, even ironic, to Gideon. Nothing about his situation looked mighty. Nothing about his background suggested leadership. But God does not call us based on what we see—He calls us based on what He intends to do through us.
Gideon Focused on His Limits
When God told Gideon he would deliver Israel, Gideon immediately began listing reasons why it couldn’t be him.
His family was poor
His tribe was weak
He himself was the least in his household
In Gideon’s mind, leadership belonged to someone else—someone stronger, more confident, more qualified.
But notice God’s response. He didn’t argue with Gideon’s assessment. He didn’t tell Gideon he was secretly talented. He simply said:
“Surely I will be with thee.” — Judges 6:16 (KJV)
That was enough.
God’s presence was the only qualification Gideon needed.
Why God Chooses the Weak
God has always worked this way. Throughout Scripture, He consistently chooses people who feel unqualified so that the focus stays on His power, not human ability.
Ellen G. White explains this principle clearly:
“The Lord can use most effectively those who are most sensible of their own insufficiency.” — The Desire of Ages, p. 436.
Why does God do this?
Because self-confidence competes with faith.
But weakness drives us to dependence.
When we know we cannot succeed on our own, we lean more fully on God—and that is where true strength is found.
God Reduces Human Strength on Purpose
One of the most powerful moments in Gideon’s story comes after he accepts the call. Gideon gathers an army of 32,000 men—already far fewer than the enemy. But God says it’s still too many.
Why?
“The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.” — Judges 7:2 (KJV)
God reduces the army from 32,000 to 300.
From a human perspective, this makes no sense. But from God’s perspective, it makes the victory unmistakable. There would be no doubt who won the battle.
Sometimes God allows us to feel weak so that when victory comes, we know it was Him.
Weakness Is Not Disqualification
Many young people feel exactly like Gideon:
“I don’t have much to offer.”
“I’m not as gifted as others.”
“I don’t come from the right background.”
“I’m not a leader type.”
But Scripture tells us that weakness is not a barrier—it is often the starting point.
Paul understood this truth when he wrote:
“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)
God’s strength does not replace weakness—it works through it.
Confidence Grows When We Trust God’s Word
Gideon didn’t wake up confident. His confidence grew as he responded to God step by step—tearing down idols, following instructions, trusting God in impossible odds.
Confidence did not come before obedience.
It came through obedience.
Ellen White reminds us of this spiritual principle:
“Strength comes by exercise.” — Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 353.
Faith grows when it is used. Confidence grows when it is tested.
If Gideon had waited to feel strong, Israel would still be enslaved.
What This Means for You
God may be calling you to do something that feels beyond you:
speak up for truth
serve where you feel unqualified
lead when you feel inexperienced
trust God with your weaknesses
If you feel small, you are in good company.
God specializes in using the unlikely so that His glory shines brighter.
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” — Zechariah 4:6 (KJV)
Your weakness does not limit God.
Your dependence invites Him.
Reflection Thought
God does not wait for you to feel strong.
He asks you to trust Him where you feel weak.
When you step forward in faith, His strength meets you there.
Prayer Thought:
“Lord, I feel small and unsure, but I trust Your call. Help me stop measuring myself by my limits and start trusting Your power. Use my weakness for Your glory.”
Written by -
Pastor Jorge Alvarado