And he said to Him,

"Please, Lord,

      how can I save Israel?

Behold, my clan

      is the weakest in Manasseh,

and I am the least

             in my father's house."

And the LORD said to him,

           "But I will be with you..."

                Judges 6. 15-16

(And God's Presence

              makes all the difference.

When we cry out, "I can't do this!"

    God replies, "Good.

                  Because I can."

God chooses the most unlikely

    to fulfill His purposes

    and to bring His glory there.

Even us.

Even right here in this mess

   or on the most ordinary days.)

O LORD,

Wrap Your Spirit around us

    like a shield

    and with Your strength,

that we may bring You glory

     in whatever is before us.

It is only by Your Presence

     that we can go forth.

Help us to grasp the reality of

     "Be not afraid.

       I am with you."

Help us to be faithful to You

    in Your designs for us today.

Even in the hard stuff.

Even in the victories.