“The Lord said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go home.” (Judges 7:7)

My dear church, Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ, the Head of our Church.

I am Pastor Sophia. This week, I’ve been thinking about how often we measure strength by numbers, size, or resources. But God has always worked differently. God delights in using the small, the ordinary, and the humble to accomplish extraordinary things.

Take Gideon, for example. Here’s a man facing an enemy so vast it probably would have made most of us hide under the nearest rock! God reminded Gideon that victory doesn’t come from armies or strength alone, but from trust, courage, and faith in God’s almighty power. Though he started with thousands, God reduced Gideon’s army to just three hundred—ordinary, faithful people who could accomplish extraordinary things through God. (Yes, you read that right—three hundred against thousands. I think I’d have needed a energy drink with double espresso just to be brave enough!

Sometimes we may feel small and weak. We may look around our church and feel small. Then we wonder if what we do makes a difference. But like Gideon’s army, God can use us—ordinary, even slightly nervous, people—to bring hope, peace, and joy to our community. God sees the heart, the courage, and the willingness to follow. Our heart of compassion for God is more than enough.

So as we gather this Sunday, I invite you to come with open hearts, ready to trust God’s power, even when we feel small. Bring your prayers, your presence, and yes—bring your courage (and maybe your coffee). God is bigger than our fears. God is bigger than our challenges. God is bigger than our problem. God is ready to do great things among us.

Together, let us remember it’s not the size of the army, but the faithfulness of the hearts that God chooses to work through. Together, we can be a light of hope, peace, and love in our community.

With love, hope, and a little laughter in Christ.

Sophia (Seung Hae) Yoo-Hess

Pastor of Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church
43987 Little River TWPK, Chantilly, Virginia
Office: (703) 327- 4461