Need Strength or Courage?

Today's Old Testament reading is the story of how Gideon was called to lead Israel in a fight against a very powerful Midianite army.  An angel of the Lord appears to Gideon and says, "The LORD is with you, O, champion!"  Gideon protests that it appears that the Lord has abandoned the Israelites in their hour of need against the Midianites.  The Lord says to him in response, "Go with the strength you have and save Israel from the power of Midian.  It is I who send you."  Gideon still protests that he from a lowly family and is the weakest of the bunch.  But the Lord said to him, "I shall be with you."  Judges 6:11-24a

Have you ever been in a situation where you think there is no way you can stand up under threat or pressure?  Or that you are feeling weak or tired and definitely not strong enough and face a big challenge?  I know I have, both physically, mentally and spiritually.  This scripture is so powerful.  The Lord is telling you that no matter how weak you feel, He will give you the strength you need to face seemingly insurmountable challenges and that He will never leave your side.  How awesome is that??? 
Thank you, Lord, for being my source of strength and my encourager...In Jesus' name, Amen