LEAST IN THE FAMILY

Many at times growing up people can say bad things (gossip) about us that discourage us and sometimes we remember those experiences and are afraid to move forward in life or move into new challenges. Most time the bad experiences cripple us and leave bad scars forever. Sometimes our families can be problems in our lives. This was the case for young Gideon in the Book of Judges (Bible)
Judges chapter 6 to 8
As a young lad Gideon has seen the land oppressed by the Midianites and Amalekites for seven years. Like invading locusts, the roving bands camped on the land of the Israelites. At harvest time, they destroyed the crops and animals and plundered the farmers’ houses. Israel’s misfortune was apparently caused by their spiritual relapse into Baal worship.
As young Gideon was threshing wheat; the angel of the Lord appeared with strong words of encouragement: And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, "The Lord is with you, you Mighty Man of Valour." And the Lord turned to him and said, "Go in this Might of Yours and deliver Israel from the hand of Midian; Have I not send you." And Gideon said to him, "Pray, Lord, how can I deliver Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family."
According to Gideon's thinking he was the least to be considered as a leader but God believed in him and he again was the man to deliver Israel out of the hands of their enemies. All he had to do was to trust what God says about him. Many at time we focus on our weakness and are not prepared to venture out into what others may see of us. Gideon’s obedience gave Israel victory and Gideon became a conquering warrior. He was even invited to become king but he declined.
I also heard this story of a young boy which I thought to share.
A long time ago, a little boy was taking piano lessons. His mother hoped to encourage and inspire her young son's progress, so she took him to a concert of the world-renowned pianist, Paderewski. Paderewski, who was born in 1860, is reputedly the "most famous and popular pianist of all times." The mother and her son arrived at the concert and were seated. A few moments later, the mother spotted a friend in the audience and walked down the aisle to greet her. Her son decided to explore the magnificent concert hall. Eventually he walked through a door marked, "NO ADMITTANCE."
The house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that her son was missing. Suddenly the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage. In horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."
At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance. He quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy’s ear, "Don't quit. Keep playing." Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child and he added a running obligator.
Together, the old master and the young novice transformed a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience. The audience was mesmerized. That's the way it is with God and His people! God chooses and uses the weak. You are that little boy and God is the Master. It is the Master who surrounds you and whispers in your ear, time and time again, "Don't quit! Keep playing!" And as you do, He works with you to accomplish what you could never do on your own.
Gideon's story shows that God calls leaders from unlikely situations. Gideon was a poor farmer’s son who worked with his hands, and his father was an idol worshipper. Still, Gideon was an effective leader in God’s service. If we are dedicated and disciplined in what we are called to do we will overcome and become great. Your back ground should not hinder what you want to achieve in life. Esther was an orphan and Moses who stammer and yet God used them to rescue nations. You could be one of those that God is counting on to rescue your people or your nation.