The Meek become Mighty with God

“The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.‘“ Judges 6:11-12 NIV

In a story titled “From Aaron to Zumstein Drive, Columbus runner completes city marathon, one block at a time,” published yesterday, it was reported that the corner of Columbus Street and Ohio Avenue hosted a unique celebration on Saturday morning as Doug Owsley, accompanied by a dozen running enthusiasts, celebrated the completion of a running accomplishment years in the making. Over the course of an almost three-year project, Owsley, 53, covered more than 7,392 miles, amounting to 10,947 city streets. His accomplishment was tracked meticulously through the City Strides project — a global initiative that challenges runners to cover every street in their cities… Owsley's journey through every corner of Columbus started in a rather unassuming manner. He initially joined a run club and through social connections, learned about City Strides. The site not only tracks each street a runner covers but also fosters a community of runners who share similar goals.

And you know, when it comes to commendable journeys that began in a rather unassuming manner and ended in victory, the Bible gives us the story of Gideon who went from “threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites” to defeating the Midianites and becoming the “mighty warrior” the “angel of the Lord” prophesied that Gideon would be. Under God’s guidance, Gideon went from being a man in hiding, separating the wheat from the chaff at the foot of a hill out of sight of the enemy, to vanquishing the same enemy in battle. His journey from fear to faith was so remarkable, in fact, that his name is listed in the Hall of Faith. 

So, knowing that God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things, be obedient to whatever journey God calls you to go on my friend. Like Gideon, you might feel too small to do anything memorable for the Lord, but God makes the meek mighty and turns wimps into warriors. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that You can use anyone who is obedient to fulfill your purpose and plan, no matter how big it might be. Help us to remember that by your strength, the unqualified become qualified and that we can do anything You call us to do. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!