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Whenever we face the internal struggle of feeling inadequate, especially when our spiritual defenses wear down, we can find inspiration in the story of Gideon.

His journey illustrates how God works through ordinary yet willing individuals to achieve huge victories, even in the presence of self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy.

Ellen White, in her book “𝙋𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙝𝙚𝙩𝙨,” pages 553.3-554.1, says, “In choosing the instruments for His work, the Lord passes by those whom the world honors as great, talented, and brilliant. They are too often proud and self-sufficient. They feel competent to act without counsel from God.

The simple act of blowing a blast upon the trumpet by the army of Joshua around Jericho, and by Gideon's little band about the hosts of Midian, was made effectual, through the power of God, to overthrow the might of His enemies.

The most complete system that men have ever devised, apart from the power and wisdom of God, will prove a failure, while the most unpromising methods will succeed when divinely appointed and entered upon with humility and faith…

The passage illustrates a principle mirrored in this street musician who knocked on doors. He solicits money for a living for every piece or two of music he plays through his worn-out harp.

Despite lacking formal training, his ability to create beautiful music highlights the power of innate talent.

While his technique may be imperfect, if given the chance to receive proper education, he could easily bridge the gaps in his knowledge. Those missed notes would then be perfected.

The lesson we gained from this illustration echoes the idea that ordinary people like us, regardless of informal backgrounds and lack of training, can achieve great things when we give our gifts back to the guidance of the Master’s hands.