Welcome to Day 3 of Flawed & Favored! 🌟 ​We’ve watched Gideon go from hiding in a hole of Insecurity on Monday to questioning God’s track record with Cynicism yesterday. It’s a slippery slope-when you don’t feel like "enough," you start doubting if God is even showing up anymore. Today, we see that tension come to a head as Gideon moves from questioning God's presence to demanding a receipt for His promise. Even after talking to an angel, Gideon still wasn't 100% sure. He basically put God to the test-twice. He told God, "If You're really going to save Israel through me, make this fleece of wool wet with dew tonight, but keep the ground dry." God did it. Then Gideon said, "Wait, don't be mad... let's try it again, but flip it. Make the fleece dry and the ground wet." (Judges 6:36-40). ​Gideon wasn't trying to be rebellious; he was just so terrified of failing that he needed "double-verification" before he took a step. We do the exact same thing in 2026, don't we? ​"God, if I'm supposed to take this job, have them call me by 2 PM." ​"If this is the person I'm supposed to help, let them mention (specific word) in conversation." ​"God, give me a green light so I know I'm not just making this up." ​We often think asking for signs is a lack of faith, but Gideon shows us that God is incredibly patient with our "Prove it" moments. He would rather walk us through our doubts than have us move in blind panic. God doesn't expect you to have "Iron-Clad" faith overnight. He is okay with being your confirmation. If you're struggling to believe the promise today, it's okay to ask Him for clarity. He meets us right where our "Ashes" of doubt are. ​Community Question: What is the craziest "sign" you've ever asked God for when you were trying to figure out a big decision? Did He give it to you? Let’s share our "fleece" stories in the comments! 👇 ​#AshesToBeauty #FlawedAndFavored #Gideon #Fleece #SignsAndWonders #ModernFaith #NotAHistoryBook

We started talking about Gideon and how his insecurities held him back from seeing who God called him to be. Let's see what happens when you begin to question that call. After the Angel calls Gideon a "mighty warrior," Gideon doesn't just say "Who, me?" He gets a little salty. He asks, "If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all His wonders that our ancestors told us about?" (Judges 6:13). ​Gideon was cynical. He was tired of hearing "storytime" about what God used to do while he was currently living in a mess. He felt abandoned, and he wasn't afraid to tell God about it. Cynicism is just a protective layer we put over our disappointment. ​We see others getting the breakthrough and think, "Must be nice, but that doesn't happen for people like me." ​We hear a sermon about God's provision while we're staring at a stack of bills. ​We look at our "Ashes" and have a hard time believing "Beauty" is even possible anymore. ​Gideon shows us that God can handle our honest, cynical questions. He didn't strike Gideon down for being skeptical; He answered him with a mission. Your questions don't scare God, and your cynicism doesn't disqualify you. Sometimes the person with the most questions is the one God is preparing for the biggest assignment. Have you ever had a moment where you looked at your situation and asked, "God, where are the miracles I keep hearing about?" How did you keep going in that season? Let's keep it real in the comments. 👇 ​#AshesToBeauty #FlawedAndFavored #Gideon #Cynicism #RealFaith #NotAHistoryBook

Let’s be real for a second. Most of us grew up looking at the Bible like a dusty museum—full of "perfect" people in sandals who did impossible things. We see them as statues, not humans. But here’s the secret: the Bible isn't a history book; it's a mirror. I want to try something. I will pick 12 characteristics we face today and from the Bible, shine a light on God's chosen people that shared the same characteristic. ​The goal for the next 12 weeks isn't just to "learn facts." It's to find ourselves in the mess, the flaws, and the "oops" moments of the people God chose. We’re digging into the "Ashes" of their humanity to see how God brought out the "Beauty" of His purpose. I pray you stick with me and enjoy. Let's get started. 🙌🏾🙌🏾✝️✝️ ​​Today’s Characteristic: Insecurity ​We’re starting with a guy named Gideon (Judges 6). When we first meet him, he isn't leading an army; he’s hiding in a winepress to thresh wheat so his enemies won't see him. He was literally living in a hole because he was afraid. When an angel shows up and calls him a "mighty warrior," Gideon’s first instinct is to argue. He says, "My clan is the weakest... and I am the least in my family." He was completely defined by his "not-enoughness." How many of us have a "Mighty Warrior" calling on our lives, but we’re living in a "Winepress" mindset? ​You want to start that business, but you feel "too small." ​You want to write that book, but you feel "unqualified." ​You want to lead, but you're focused on your bank account or your past. ​Gideon proves that God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called. He named Gideon a hero while Gideon was still trembling in a hole. God sees who you are becoming, not just where you’re hiding. Your insecurity isn't a "No" to God; it’s an invitation for His strength to take over. If God walked into your "winepress" today and called you a "Mighty Warrior," what would be your first "But, Lord..." excuse? Let’s call out those insecurities and leave them in the comments. 👇👇👇🙌🏾🙌🏾🫶🏿🫶🏿

Or warfare sneaks up on you stealth-like? I can definitely tell now when it comes up. So kudos for us learning how to be self-aware and amen Holy spirit for discernment. At first it looks like...i'm just tired or irritated. You brush it under the rug...and next thing you're having a mini meltdown in the parking lot of Lowe's because you misplaced your receipt to pick up items. :/ (yes...i'm referring to myself here). I didn't have a temper tantrum, but I could feel myself getting extremely agitated to the point of I wanted to yell at my children or blame others. I warred through praise and worship today. I clued into the spirit instead of my flesh when responding to my children, even through gritted teeth because either you're honoring God or you're honoring Satan and there ain't no way the devil is getting my praise through worry and doubt. I feel better now, but note to self ya'll, don't let the little things "slide". Nip it in the bud as soon as it comes. It's not doing too much when your accuser is talking smack 25/8.

After 2 weeks of attempting to not only find it (Holy Spirit gave me the thought - look in the storage room) but get into the storage locked (the lock had to be broken (isn't that so prophetic!)) where it was, I finally got my old wedding dress back. And threw it away. Who cares about the old memories, the money, etc. God will give me even better memories and an even better dress if it comes down to it. And even if it doesn't happen the exact way I thought, He's still good. I severed the soul tie with my ex-husband and it felt like ripples of ants crawled out of my feet. It's one thing to know it happens for someone else, but when you experience deliverance for yourself it just catapalts your faith in God and the process. I love me some Him. Glory to God! Now onto the next part of Dignified Deliverance!