Daily Devotional | Daily Devotions

Judges

Looks Can Be Deceiving

6

The doctor did a double take and exclaimed, “Mother?! You look more like sisters!”

Judges 8:1-35

Reference: v.6 But the officials of Sukkoth said, “Do you already have the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna in your possession? Why should we give bread to your troops?” (TNIV Bible)

Explore: My foster daughter is eighteen years old and Filipino.  This causes much confusion for people when I introduce her as my daughter, as I am in my early thirties and incredibly white!  Just the other day I took her to see a new doctor due to her being unwell with the flu.  When we walked in the door I introduced her and explained that I was her mum.  The doctor did a double take and exclaimed, “Mother?! You look more like sisters!”  While he was meaning to be flattering, it wasn’t long before he could tell that I was, in fact, the parental figure.  I was able to explain her symptoms and the medical treatment I had already administered to her while we had been at home.  While our looks were deceiving, our actions spoke of our true relationship.

Application: When Gideon was in pursuit of his enemies army, he asked for assistance from some of the cities that he passed by.  The leaders looked at the measly 300 strong army that God had chosen for Gideon and must have thought it crazy that such a small group of men could fight and overpower the strong figures they were chasing.  And so, they refused them aid – probably so that the enemy would not have anything against them if they were to return.  And yet it turned out that Gideon and his army were more than met the eye.  They looked small in number and tired from their previous days of fighting, yet God gave them the strength to overpower the enemy.  It’s so easy for us to judge people by how they look and yet, we can only truly gauge what people are like by their actions.

Prayer: Lord, forgive us when we judge others. May we see people for their potential and not bind them to our limitations.  Amen.

What do you see is your full potential?

About the Author

Linda BaileyLinda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.View all posts by Linda Bailey

  1. Simon
    Simon07-08-2011

    Thanks Linda,
    I pary that God will help me not to limit anyone but to view people in their full potentials Amen!

  2. Simon
    Simon07-08-2011

    Thanks Linda,
    I pray that God will help me not to limit anyone but to view people in their full potentials Amen!

  3. Simon
    Simon07-08-2011

    Thanks Linda,
    I pray that God will help me not to limit anyone but to see people in their full potentials Amen.

  4. Cynthia
    Cynthia07-08-2011

    Great thought to start my day on. Thanks!!!

    • Marcelo
      Marcelo03-29-2012

      Hmmm, I’m not really sure. I aylaws order books online, but I bet if you called the store they could get them for you if they don’t have them in stock. I agree this method is definitely more suited to older kids and teenagers. With our little ones, we found one of those toddler storybook Bibles and just went through it and talked about the pictures and God’s creation and how much God loves them. Such a sweet time!

  5. Amanda
    Amanda07-09-2011

    Thanks sooo much! Once again your devotional was exactly what I needed! God bless you and keep up your work for the Lord!

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