LISTEN ONLINEFor a decade, Gunnar Olson felt called to help business professionals transform commerce and industry with God’s love and power. When the time came to share his vision publicly, however, he was plagued with doubts. Graciously, God gave him a sign, but on the eve of setting up The International Christian Chamber of Commerce, the doubts returned. “Who was I to think I could do something on such a grand scale?” he wept. “They were top professionals and I was just a small businessman . . .” Again, God stepped in, this time, curiously, through an anonymous phone call.
Gunnar wasn’t the first person to doubt God’s calling. When Israel cried out for help against enemies raiding their harvests (vv. 1–6), an angel visited Gideon, saying, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior” (v. 12). Focused on the dire circumstances, however, Gideon was wracked with doubts (v. 13). The angel repeated God’s promise to empower him to lead Israel’s army (v. 14 ). “But how can I save Israel?” Gideon persisted, his doubts now fuelled by his inferiority: “My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family” (v. 15).
Thankfully, God is patient. Reaffirming His promised purpose to Gideon (vv. 16–24), and to Gunnar, He nurtured their faith-filled responses. Whatever God calls us to do, regardless of circumstances or feelings of inadequacy, we too can depend on Him to help us fulfil His purposes.