Excellence in Imperfect Situations

In this episode of Daily Devotionals for Nurses, Tola continues the study of Judges 6, exploring the powerful encounter between Gideon and the angel of the Lord. After the Israelites cried out to God for deliverance from Midianite oppression, God sent a prophet with a word before the breakthrough and then called Gideon as part of the answer to their prayers.

We meet Gideon threshing wheat in a wine press, an unusual place for such work, but a strategic move to hide his harvest from the enemy. His ingenuity and determination reveal a critical lesson: even in less-than-ideal circumstances, we can continue to work faithfully and show up with excellence.

Tola draws a parallel between Gideon’s actions and our own responses to imperfect situations, whether at work, in leadership, financially, or in personal life. She challenges believers not to wait for perfection before taking action, but to keep working with the grace and strength God provides. Our words, attitudes, and actions in seasons of difficulty reflect the depth of our faith.

If we claim to believe in a God who rescues, we must act like it, living in a way that demonstrates trust in His power, even when conditions are far from perfect.

Key Scripture:
Judges 6:11–12 – “Now the angel of the Lord came and sat under the terebinth tree which was in Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon threshed wheat in the winepress, in order to hide it from the Midianites. And the angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, ‘The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!’”

Key Points:

• Faith in Action: Gideon was working and finding ways to survive even before his calling was revealed.

• Excellence in Imperfection: Your character is revealed in how you show up when conditions aren’t ideal.

• Kingdom Mindset: Live and act as though you believe God will deliver you, let your actions align with your faith.

• Practical Application: Stop waiting for perfect conditions before stepping into what God has called you to do.

Reflection Questions:

1. How do you respond in less-than-ideal circumstances?

2. Are your words, attitudes, and actions consistent with your faith in God?

3. In what ways can you demonstrate excellence today, even if your environment is imperfect?

Listen & Subscribe:
Tune in to this encouraging episode of Daily Devotionals for Nurses to be reminded that God can call you right in the middle of your “wine press” moments. Listen now, subscribe so you never miss an episode, and share it with someone who needs this reminder today.