As your dad, I want you to grow into strong, faithful, and courageous men and women—people who trust God in all things and walk in His strength. I know life can feel overwhelming at times. Maybe you feel uncertain about school, friendships, or the future. Maybe you struggle with fear, doubt, or feeling like you’re not enough.
I want to remind you that you are not alone in those feelings. Two of the Bible’s greatest leaders—Gideon and Peter—struggled in the same way. They questioned their calling, feared failure, and doubted God’s plan for their lives. But in their weakest moments, God didn’t see them as failures—He saw them as warriors.
And that’s how He sees you, too.
“The LORD is with you, valiant warrior.” (Judges 6:12)
- God Sees More in You Than You See in Yourself
When God called Gideon to lead Israel into battle, he was hiding from his enemies. He didn’t see himself as a leader. He asked, “If the LORD is with us, why has all this happened?” (Judges 6:13). Gideon believed his circumstances defined him. But God saw his potential before he ever stepped into it.
Peter felt the same way. He was just a fisherman when Jesus called him, and even when he wanted to walk on water, he sank the moment he took his eyes off Jesus (Matthew 14:30). Both Gideon and Peter had moments where they felt weak and unqualified. But God didn’t choose them because of their strength—He chose them because He would make them strong.
The same is true for you. You may not feel ready for what’s ahead, but God is already preparing you. He calls you not just for what you are now, but for what He is shaping you to be.
- It’s Okay to Have Questions—God is Patient with You
Gideon and Peter weren’t perfect. They both struggled with doubt and fear.
Gideon asked for signs—twice—before trusting God’s plan (Judges 6:36-40). Peter had his own moments of hesitation. Even after seeing Jesus perform miracles, he still denied Him three times out of fear (Luke 22:61-62).
But here’s what’s amazing about their stories: God didn’t reject them for their doubts—He patiently built their faith.
If you ever feel uncertain about your faith, your future, or your abilities, don’t be discouraged. God isn’t looking for perfect faith—He’s looking for a heart that is willing to follow Him. He will give you the reassurance and strength you need, just as He did for Gideon and Peter.
- Your Strength Comes From God, Not Yourself
Gideon thought he needed a large army to win the battle, but God reduced his forces from 32,000 soldiers to just 300 men (Judges 7:2-8). Why? So that Israel would see that victory comes from God, not human strength.
Peter had to learn this same lesson. When Jesus was arrested, Peter tried to fight back with a sword (John 18:10), but Jesus told him, “Put your sword away.” Peter wanted to rely on his own strength, but Jesus was preparing him for a greater spiritual battle—one that required faith, not weapons.
You don’t have to be the smartest, strongest, or most confident to succeed. God works through weakness. When you feel like you’re not enough, remember—He is enough.
- You Are Fully Equipped: The Armor of God
Gideon and Peter both faced spiritual battles, and so will you. But God doesn’t send you into battle unprotected—He gives you armor.
The Bible describes the Armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-18. This armor protects you and gives you the strength to stand firm.
- The Belt of Truth helps you know what is right and keeps you from being confused by lies.
- The Breastplate of Righteousness guards your heart and emotions from guilt, shame, and attacks on your worth.
- The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace keep you steady when anxiety and fear try to shake you.
- The Shield of Faith blocks the lies of the enemy and strengthens you against discouragement.
- The Helmet of Salvation reminds you who you are in Christ—loved, chosen, and saved.
- The Sword of the Spirit (God’s Word) is your offensive weapon, giving you wisdom and power against the enemy’s attacks.
You are not defenseless—God has given you armor to protect you. And the most powerful weapon you have is the Sword of the Spirit—God’s Word.
- How to Use the Sword of the Spirit (God’s Word)
The Sword of the Spirit is your only offensive weapon in spiritual battles. It’s not just for defense—it’s for fighting back against doubt, fear, and lies.
How do you use it?
- Speak Scripture Against Fear and Temptation. When Jesus was tempted, He didn’t argue—He quoted Scripture (Matthew 4:1-11). When you feel anxious, say “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).
- Use It to Strengthen Your Mind. If you feel like a failure, read “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). If you feel uncertain, hold onto “For I know the plans I have for you” (Jeremiah 29:11).
- Use It to Encourage Others. A soldier never fights alone—encourage your friends and stand together in faith.
The more you know and speak God’s Word, the stronger you become.
- Take the First Step—Your Faith Will Grow Over Time
Before leading Israel in battle, Gideon had a small test of obedience—God told him to tear down his father’s altar to Baal (Judges 6:25-27). He was afraid, so he did it at night—but he still obeyed.
Peter also needed a second chance. After denying Jesus three times, Jesus restored him by asking three times, “Do you love Me?” (John 21:15-17). Even after failure, Peter went on to lead the early church and preach with boldness.
Faith doesn’t grow overnight. It grows as you take steps of obedience—one small decision at a time.
Final Encouragement: You Are a Warrior in God’s Eyes
You may feel unprepared for life ahead.
You may feel like you’re not enough.
But God says:
“The LORD is with you, valiant warrior.” (Judges 6:12)
What can you do today?
- Put on the Armor of God—you are protected and equipped.
- Take a step of faith—even if it’s small, God blesses obedience.
- Use the Sword of the Spirit—memorize Scripture and speak truth.
- Trust that God is with you—He sees the warrior inside you.
I love you and I’m praying for you. You are stronger than you think—because God is with you.
Love,
Dad