GOD USES THE LEAST TO DO THE GREATEST

GOD USES THE LEAST TO DO THE GREATEST

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Judges 6

Judges 6:11-16 (KJV)
“And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites. And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? And where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites. And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?”

Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 1:27; Zechariah 4:6; Judges 7:2–7; Psalm 118:8–9

Description: God often chooses those who seem least significant by human standards to accomplish His greatest purposes.

INTRODUCTION:
Gideon was hiding, threshing wheat in a winepress to protect it from Midianite oppressors, a picture of fear and insignificance. Yet, God saw potential and addressed him as “mighty man of valour.” This contrast between human weakness and divine assignment is a recurring theme in Scripture: God uses the least to fulfil the greatest purposes.

Many believers underestimate their own potential because they focus on their weaknesses or past failures. Gideon thought he was too insignificant to save Israel, but God’s call and empowering presence changed everything. God does not rely on human strength; He relies on His Spirit.

The story of Gideon teaches us that God can transform fear into courage, insignificance into influence, and weakness into strength. The question is not about your ability, but your willingness to respond to God’s call.

1. GOD SEES POTENTIAL WHERE OTHERS SEE WEAKNESS
God evaluates by purpose, not appearance.

a) Human standards underestimate God’s chosen
(Judges 6:12) Gideon was threshing wheat in a hidden place, yet God called him mighty.

b) God’s perspective is eternal and purposeful
(1 Samuel 16:7) Man looks at the outward, God examines the heart.

c) God’s choice brings glory to Him, not self
(1 Corinthians 1:27) God uses the weak to confound the strong.

d) Faith begins where human confidence ends
(Psalm 118:8–9) Trust in God’s perspective, not human opinion.

Biblical Example: David (1 Samuel 16:11–13). The youngest shepherd boy was chosen to be king, overlooked by everyone but God.

2. GOD EMPOWERS THE WILLING, NOT THE STRONG
God equips those who respond, not those who are self-reliant.

a) Availability matters more than ability
(Judges 6:14-16) God called Gideon and empowered him despite his fear.

b) God strengthens the hesitant
(Judges 7:2-7) Gideon’s army was reduced so God’s power would be evident.

c) God’s Spirit transforms weakness into courage
(Zechariah 4:6) Not by might, nor by power, but by God’s Spirit.

d) Obedience unlocks divine enablement
(Joshua 1:9) Courage and strength come from trusting God’s presence.

Biblical Example: Moses (Exodus 3-4). God called a reluctant, stammering man to deliver Israel.

3. GOD’S PURPOSE OUTSHINES OUR FEARS
Comment: When God calls, fear must not determine response.

a) Fear is often a sign of spiritual opportunity
(Judges 6:15) Gideon feared his insignificance, showing he sensed the challenge.

b) God’s promise overcomes human doubt
(Judges 6:16) God assured Gideon of victory if he obeyed.

c) Courage grows through obedience
(Joshua 1:7-8) Success comes from acting on God’s word, not human confidence.

d) Divine purpose validates the called, not their circumstances
(Psalm 33:16-17) Strength lies in God, not human might.

Biblical Example: Esther (Esther 4:14-16). She faced fear but obeyed God’s call to save her people.

CONCLUSION:
Gideon’s story reminds us that God does not look for the impressive or the mighty by human standards. He looks for those who are available and willing to be used. What seems like weakness or insignificance in your life may be exactly what God will use to accomplish great things.

Responding to God’s call requires faith and courage. Your fears and limitations are not barriers to God’s purposes; they are opportunities for Him to show His power. When you yield, God transforms your weakness into divine strength.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, make me available for Your use in this generation.
2. Father, turn my weaknesses into instruments of victory.
3. Lord, give me courage to respond to Your call.
4. Father, empower me by Your Spirit to accomplish Your purposes.
5. Lord, remove every doubt and fear that hinders obedience.
6. Father, help me trust Your perspective over human opinion.
7. Lord, let Your power be made perfect in my weakness.
8. Father, raise me as a vessel for divine assignments.
9. Lord, help me walk boldly in Your will, regardless of challenges.
10. Father, let my life demonstrate Your strength and glory.

GOD’S WORD FOR YOU TODAY:
1. God sees potential in you that others overlook.
2. Your willingness is more important than your ability.
3. Fear will not prevent you from fulfilling God’s purpose.
4. God’s Spirit will empower you beyond your natural strength.
5. Divine assignments often begin in weakness and obscurity.
6. God will turn your insignificance into influence.
7. Obedience unlocks supernatural enablement.
8. Your life can accomplish great things for God.
9. God’s purpose validates the called, not circumstances.
10. Your weakness will become a testimony of God’s glory.