What would it be like if we truly viewed ourselves the way God views us?

I wondered this as I read the story of Gideon this past week. “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior!” an angel says to Gideon in Judges 6:12. The ironic thing is that at the time, Gideon is in hiding from the vicious Midianites who had taken over the Israelites’ crops, and is secretly trying to thresh wheat in a winepress. A completely humiliating position, not a mighty one.

But God saw Gideon for what he was going to do. God knew His plans for Gideon. God knew that when strengthened with His power, Gideon would lead an army of only 300 men to annihilate the Midianite army.

I am often quick to dwell on my weaknesses and failures, or to feel low confidence in my abilities. Sometimes I feel trapped or helpless to change a situation. But God knows what He can and will do through me. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

The Greek word for “workmanship,” poiema, is also translated as “handiwork” or “craftsmanship.” It is where we derive our English word poem. We were specially created, like beautiful words of poetry. And this was done by God before the beginning of time, in order to accomplish His good purpose on this earth.

What if THIS is how we viewed ourselves? Every single day. What if we woke up each morning knowing God has things planned out for us to do, things we are uniquely equipped for, and things that He will empower us to do if we open our hearts and believe?

We’re not just here spinning our wheels. Imagine what we could accomplish if we would trust in our God-given purpose and step forward in faith!