Have you noticed a change in your surroundings? The group that once followed you has dispersed. When you call, they’re busy. Our once booming circle has diminished to merely a few. Are we ready for what’s next? Do we have enough for the journey?
The Story: Judges 7
In Judges 7, Gideon and his army of 32,000 are on their way to fight the Midianites. Before they set out, God told Gideon that he had too many men with him. With this large company, Israel would take credit for the victory and not give it to God. As a result, God minimized the massive army from 32,000 to 300. Gideon and his small battalion continued on their way to the enemies’ camp.
When they arrived, God told Gideon to spy out the place where the enemy was. Because God knew that Gideon was still fearful, He allowed him to take his servant. The two men overheard that the opposing army knew that God would give Midian over to Gideon. With this news, Gideon returned to his camp, readied his men, and they approached the Midianites. Indeed, God handed the Midianites into the hands of Gideon and his army.
The Lesson
From this passage, a fearful but strong Gideon provides us insight into our life’s journey.
- Our army won’t always be large and in charge. Our small group is equipped to execute. Together, there’s nothing to difficult. When we’re on one accord, we’re ready for what’s ahead. Therefore, the faithful few are enough to win the victory.
- Obedience outranks courage. Gideon was fearful in the winepress (Judges 6:11) and near the camp of the Midianites (Judges 7:10-11), but he was obedient. Despite the fear, Gideon followed the instructions of the Lord and did the job anyway. Therefore, fear isn’t a hall pass to remove us from the plan of God. If God called us to the matter, then we’re capable of completing the assignment. Interestingly, God sent home 22,000 fearful men but kept Gideon. What does this say about us? God specifically assigned us to the role and our fear isn’t a disqualifier. Therefore, the assignment is ours. We have what it takes to lead the army and win the battle.
- Your enemies have the intel you need. God enabled Gideon to hear the truth from his enemies. Their information was Gideon’s fuel to defeat the army. Therefore, our enemies serve a purpose in our lives. They provide a status update on our relationship with them. If they speak evil against us, we know we’re on the right track. There’s no need to speak ill of unimportant people so we must be more powerful than we think.
Regardless of the size of our tribe, we’re ready for what’s next on the horizon. If we’re feeling alone in the battle, rest knowing that God will surround us with the right 300 or 3. With God as the commander of our army, we will win.
