Do You have a Willing Heart?

David's Display Kiosk (Unmanned) at Limkokwing University

Last week was a hectic week for us both in our home and at the university as we wrapped up the semester. We have never baked that many brownies, cookies, and Oreo banana bread before! I couldn’t help but smile thinking how our small kitchen turned into what felt like a mini bakeshop. The sweet aroma of chocolate brownies and bananas filled the house, and though it was tiring, it was also joyful.

Praise God for the opportunity for David’s brownies to join our school’s cultural event. It was all by His grace that we managed to pull it off. Everything happened so quickly. My boss called over the weekend and asked if my son could sell his goodies at the event. It was a last-minute invitation, but I didn’t want to say no. My colleagues had tried David’s brownies before when I brought some to the faculty room, and they encouraged me to let him join. They said, “Your son’s brownies are really good! Let him sell them.”

The only problem was, who would stay at our booth? I was one of the judges for the students’ performances, and David couldn’t come because his school is too far from our campus. He also had a group presentation that day and as the team leader, he couldn’t miss it.

So we prayed and came up with an idea: an “Honesty Booth.” It was an unmanned stall where buyers could simply take what they liked, scan the QR code for payment, and enjoy the treats. It was definitely a new business concept! I laughed thinking about how unglamorous our booth looked compared to the others. There were no fancy decorations, marketing brochures, or colorful banners just homemade baked goods in simple packaging.

When I set it up, some students teased me, saying they doubted anyone would buy from an unattended stall. But I told them with a smile, “Let’s just see...”

To my surprise, it became a hit! While I was seated in front judging the performances, I could see students flocking to the booth. By noon, everything was sold out. Later that afternoon, my phone was flooded with messages asking if I could bring more. I was amazed.

Honestly, I had to say no because technically, direct selling at the university was not allowed unless approved. My sister-in-law, Kunthy, had once placed her chocolate walnut cake at the school café, but that was a different case. I didn’t want to cross any lines, so I politely declined.

Still, the whole experience made me thankful. David was overjoyed when he found out. It was his best sales record since he started selling in our neighborhood three months ago. It may seem like a small thing, but it reminded me of something greater: God blesses even our simple efforts when we offer them to Him with a willing heart.

When God Calls the Unlikely

Our devotion that day spoke about Gideon. The passage from Judges 6:12 says, “The angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and said, ‘The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.’”

What strikes me most about Gideon’s story is that when the angel called him a “mighty warrior,” Gideon wasn’t acting like one at all. In fact, he was hiding in fear from his enemies. He felt small, unqualified, and weak. But God saw him differently. Before Gideon ever lifted a sword or fought a battle, God already called him a mighty warrior.

That is the heart of God. He doesn’t see us for who we were or even who we think we are He sees who we can be through His strength.

When we read further, Gideon hesitated. He questioned God’s calling, saying, “My clan is the weakest, and I am the least in my family.” (Judges 6:15) But God replied, “I will be with you.”

That simple promise changed everything.

Sometimes we are just like Gideon. We doubt the abilities God has placed in us. We look at our limitations instead of His power. We compare ourselves to others and conclude that we don’t have what it takes. But God delights in using ordinary people to do extraordinary things not because of who we are, but because of who He is.

A Willing Heart Over a Perfect One

The devotion reminded me that God doesn’t wait for us to be ready. He simply asks for a willing heart.

When He called Moses, Moses said he wasn’t a good speaker. When He called Jeremiah, the prophet said he was too young. When Jesus called His disciples, most were ordinary fishermen, not scholars or religious leaders. Yet through their obedience, God’s power was made known to the world.

The same is true for us. Sometimes the things God asks us to do seem small like baking brownies for a school event or saying a kind word to a colleague who feels alone. Other times, they seem too big like starting a ministry, sharing the gospel with someone, or stepping into a leadership role we never imagined for ourselves.

Whatever the task, the important thing is not our confidence but our willingness. God is not looking for perfection; He’s looking for hearts that will say, “Yes, Lord, use me.”

Faith in the Everyday Moments

That school event was not just about selling brownies. It became an opportunity to see how God works even in the simplest things. While I was busy judging performances, I realized something beautiful people were drawn not because of fancy presentation but because of sincerity. The honesty booth reminded me of how faith works: unseen, yet moving hearts to trust, give, and respond.

Isn’t that how God works in our lives too? We don’t always see Him, but His presence stirs things around us our work, our relationships, even our small acts of kindness.

When I saw how the students supported David’s little booth, I was reminded of how God multiplies what we offer. Just like the five loaves and two fish, He takes what seems small and makes it sufficient to bless many.

Encouragement for the Doubting Heart

Maybe you’re in a season where you feel like Gideon. You’re facing challenges that make you question your strength. Or maybe you’re hesitating to step into something God has placed in your heart like serving in a ministry, pursuing a calling, or sharing your faith with someone.

You may think you’re not capable enough. But remember: God already calls you a “mighty warrior.” He sees the potential He placed in you long before you do.

Sometimes, we just need to show up and say yes. When we do, God does the rest.

That’s what I learned from both Gideon and that little honesty booth experience. God delights in faith that moves even when it starts small.

Reconnecting with God’s Amazing Love and Grace

This experience made me realize how God continually invites us to reconnect with His love and grace. Life can get so busy that we forget He is involved in every detail. Whether it’s at home, at work, or in our ministry, God is always teaching us to trust Him more.

When we surrender our plans and acknowledge His hand in them, we begin to see miracles in the mundane. We learn that God can use a student’s brownies to open doors, or a simple conversation to share the gospel, or a hesitant heart to bring encouragement to others.

Everyday life becomes a mission field when we walk with Him.

The Power of God’s Presence

In the end, Gideon won battles not because he was strong but because God was with him. The same presence that gave him courage is the same one that strengthens us today.

When we walk in obedience, God’s presence becomes our assurance. When we step out in faith, His grace becomes our strength.

So whatever season you are in right now, whether you’re starting something new, struggling to keep going, or unsure of your purpose remember this truth: God is with you, mighty warrior.

He’s not asking for perfection. He’s asking for a willing heart.

A Prayer for the Willing Heart

Lord, thank You for reminding me that You see beyond my weakness. Thank You for calling me Your mighty warrior even when I feel small and uncertain. Help me to obey You with a willing heart. Teach me to trust Your power in every task You give me, big or small. May my life reflect Your grace and faithfulness so others can see Your love through me. Amen.

As we continue to walk through busy weeks, ministry challenges, and everyday life, may we always remember that God equips those He calls. Just like Gideon, may we respond not with fear but with faith, believing that God can do great things through our ordinary lives.

Whether it’s an honesty booth at a school event or a quiet act of obedience at home, every opportunity is a chance to show the world how amazing His love truly is. 

With willing hearts, 
The Hourngs! 💕😍🙏