ELECTION BY GRACE
The Oxford Dictionary defines grace as a privilege or concession that cannot be claimed as a right. This means we experience grace when the outcomes we enjoy in life are clearly beyond what our personal efforts alone could have achieved.
As we journey through this year, one truth we must hold firmly is that grace is real, and there is a God who gives this grace freely. As believers, if the results we enjoy in life can be traced solely to our efforts, then we may not have fully experienced the power of divine grace.
Throughout Scripture, we see how God used ordinary or seemingly unqualified individuals to accomplish extraordinary feats.
A powerful example of God’s grace in action is seen in the life of Gideon. The Israelites had a recurring pattern of turning away from God the moment they felt self-sufficient. This cycle is evident in the book of Judges (chapters 1-4), where the Israelites repeatedly abandoned God, only to cry out for His help when adversity struck.
Despite their unfaithfulness, God, in His mercy, still showed up for them. Someone once described the relationship between God and the Israelites as parasitic—always taking from God but rarely giving Him the devotion He deserves, I couldn’t agree more. Yet, God’s love remained constant, proving that He is indeed a good Father.
After the reign of Deborah as a judge over Israel, the land experienced peace for about 40 years. However, once again, the Israelites turned their backs on God, worshiping other gods. As a result, they suffered greatly under the oppression of the Midianites.
It was in this period of despair that God chose Gideon to deliver His people. However, Gideon seemed like the most unlikely choice. He came from the weakest clan in the tribe of Manasseh, and by his own acknowledgement, he was the least significant in his entire family (Judges 6:15).
If you’re as curious as I am, you might ask: Why Gideon?
From his response to the angel, it was clear that Gideon didn’t see himself as anything special—perhaps because, by human standards, he wasn’t. Yet, the moment God called him a mighty hero (Judges 6:12), everything changed. God’s declaration over him became the defining truth of his identity.
Why would God choose a weak, hesitant, and doubtful man like Gideon to save His people? This is one of the divine mysteries that reveals the nature of God.
He has the sovereign authority to extend grace to anyone, raising them to whatever heights He pleases, simply because He is God.
God’s grace does not depend on human qualifications, social status, or personal strength. It is purely a reflection of His goodness and divine purpose.
The story of Gideon is not unique. The Bible is filled with other examples of individuals who experienced this grace
Abraham was called out of obscurity to become the father of nations despite his old age and initial lack of trust in God”s Faithfulness (Genesis 12).
David was a shepherd boy chosen to become king, even when his own family overlooked him (1 Samuel 16).
Esther was an orphaned Jewish girl raised to the position of queen, becoming a deliverer for her people (Esther 4:14).
Apostle Paul was once a fierce persecutor of Christians, transformed into one of the greatest apostles of the faith, spreading the Gospel across nations (Acts 9).
The lesson here is simple, God’s grace can reach anyone, no matter how unqualified or insignificant they may seem. He delights in using the weak to confound the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27).
As we step into this year, let’s hold onto the truth that there is a God who gives grace. When you feel unworthy or insufficient, remember that His grace is more than enough. Trust Him to accomplish great things through you, not because of your merit, but because of His boundless love and divine favor.
Now the balance is, we will all have our part to play. In diligence in our works and obedience to His word, nevertheless ultimately, as people who are loved by God, majority of our exploits will not be by our strength alone. Always remember that there is a grace that lifts men, and there is a God that gives this grace.
“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’” — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)