26 AUGUST

 HANDICAP TURNED INTO STRENGTH

“Again the Israelites cried out to the Lord, and he gave them a deliverer—Ehud, a left-handed man, the son of Gera the Benjamite. The Israelites sent him with tribute to Eglon king of Moab.”

(Judges 3:15, NIV)

Security was tight to enter into the palace of the king of Moab. Everyone was searched thoroughly. Usually, warriors kept their sword in a sheath hung over their left shoulders, so they could pull it out easily with their right hand. Thus, visitors were usually frisked from their left shoulders down for concealed weapons. Note also that, at that time, being left-handed  was considered a handicap.

The Israelites had suffered for eighteen long years from the oppression of King Eglon of Moab, as a punishment for their disobedience to God. Now, they were willing to totally obey God, even if it meant sending a handicapped man as a deliverer.

Ehud had made a short double-edged sword, which he strapped to his right thigh, covered by his clothing, while leaving his left side free for inspection. He was allowed free access to the king on the pretext of delivering a message. Having just received a tribute from the Israeli delegates, Eglon was eagerly awaiting a message of joy but, alas, it was a message of God’s vengeance and destruction. Ehud effortlessly pulled out the sword on his right thigh with his left hand, and thrust it into the king’s belly, killing him instantly.

God used Ehud’s perceived weakness to grant Israel victory, freedom and peace for the next eighty years.

ACTION: God can make your life a wonder, regardless of your perceived weaknesses and limitations. Submit your totality to Him.

PRAYER: Lord, cover my blemishes with your glory. Use me to accomplish your purpose, despite my weaknesses.