You are not your struggles. You are what your struggles have been trying to hold back from you.
In Judges 6, Gideon was hiding wheat, because the enemy was limiting everyone’s freedom, and allowing them enough to just survive. Their strategy was to break the body, soul, and spirit of anyone who might rise up to challenge them. And it was working. Gideon was exhausted, fearful, and saw himself as less than nothing.
But God saw him so differently: “The Angel of The Lord appeared to him and said, ‘the Lord is with you, mighty man of valor!’” (6:12). It took some time and intentionality, but eventually Gideon shifted his focus away from the fear of his circumstances to the wisdom, courage, and love God had for him.
Temporarily, we’re all in a limited physical condition. But that doesn’t mean you should let fear diminish your identity. I know that seems easier said than done, but if you’re determining to listen for God’s voice—that inner voice of genuine love, joy, and peace—it won’t be. You really are as amazing as he has been saying, and his delight is to grow you into more, and crush fear in the process.
Equip Your Spirit 