Why not you?

"Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" Judges 6:14

Super Bowl 48 ended up being one of the most lopsided games in history as the Seahawks dominated the Broncos. During the game I was impressed with their defense, aka The Legion of Boom, as well as the poise of their young QB Russell Wilson. After the game, comments made by Wilson so captured my attention that I decided to make them the topic of this blog. During the post game interview, Wilson mentioned that when he was younger his late father would ask, "Why not you?" He said this in regards to Russell being great one day. Wilson went on to challenge his team earlier this season with a similar question, "Why not us in the Super Bowl?".

I was moved by the use of this interesting interrogative from this individual who refused to be incarcerated by feelings of inadequacy. After tracting his career, it dawned on me that if anyone could have been locked up by low self-esteem, it could have been Wilson. He wasn't taken until the third round of the 2012 draft, as the 75th pick. He was the sixth QB taken that year mostly because teams felt he was too short to play the position in the NFL. As a matter of fact, the Denver Broncos backup QB was even taken before Wilson! Throughout his career he has been labeled as only a game manager and hasn't gotten the same level of notoriety as some of the other QB's that were drafted with him. However Wilson has used this entire situation as motivation and has had the audacity to ask himself the question, "Why not you?"

As I let those words marinate on my mind, I could not help but be drawn to the above passage as the same question was raised by the Angel of The Lord. In the text, Gideon was selected to deliver the people of God from Midianite oppression. However, because of his own inadequacies, and his immediate circumstances, Gideon didn't see himself as much of a deliverer. Like many today, Gideon allowed his own issues with himself to become an issue. If we are not careful, issues that we have with ourself can get in the way of "the us" that we are meant to be. However I'm so glad that despite his own issues, the Angel of God resiliently raised the question, "Why not you?"

In like manner, as a messenger of God, I have the same question for you as it relates to being a person of impact and influence, "Why not you?" As it relates to being an agent of change and a difference maker in the world, "Why not you?" When it comes to starting the business, writing the book, or going back to school, "Why not you?". When it comes to fulfilling your dreams, and reaching your goals, and living a bigger, bolder, brighter, life for the glory of God, "Why not you?". My friend, the text helps assertively answers all of the above with a resounding, "Yes you can!"

First you have to Recognize your Potential. In Judges 6:12 the angel greets Gideon by calling him "a mighty man of valor". In other words he informs Gideon that he is full of potential. What's really interesting is where Gideon found himself when he received this revelation. Judges 6:11 says that he was threshing wheat in a wine press. In other words he was hiding. Because of where he was and what he was facing, Gideon felt less than qualified to be a great leader. Where are you hiding today that is hindering you from fulfilling your potential? Are you hiding behind limited resources, limited exposure or opportunities? Though each of these may be real factors, be encouraged to know that limitations do not have to limit you! God has already given you everything you need within to rise above any circumstance that you face without. Today He is saying "Why not you mighty person of valor!"

Next you have to Remember you have His Presence. After Gideon was called, he began to offer excuses to why he could not possibly be a deliverer. After all, he looked at his family as being small and he was the weakest of them all! (6:15) However God reminded him that he could accomplish his assignment because the Almighty was with Him (6:16). My friend let me ask you another question, "If God, the Creator of the cosmos, is for you, who or what can be against you?" Today passionately pursue your purpose knowing that the presence of the Lord is with you!

It's no wonder why Russell Wilson could demonstrate such cool, calm, and confidence out on the field this season. In his mind he had already answered the question of could he be a champion? Have you done so yet?

My prayer for you today is that God will give you confidence to say, "Yes I can be a champion!"

Peace!