WRITTEN BY TIM LABRECHE
The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, ‘My own strength has saved me.’
Judges 7:2, NIV
Reading that into context, the Midianite army that Gideon was about to face had 135,000 valiant warriors ready for battle. Gideon’s troop consisted of 32,000 men. The Lord told him that he had too many soldiers and to whittle it down. From there it went down to 10,000. That’s nearly one-third of his Army. How do you think Gideon was feeling? Distraught? Panicked? I can imagine those would be just a few of the emotions he was feeling. From there God said that there was still too many men. His fighting force was then cut down to 300! Can you imagine the fear and trepidation that Gideon must have had at first?!!?
But what Gideon did next is what’s important. In the midst of seemingly unsurmountable circumstances, when everything seemed impossible, Gideon obeyed what God told him to do and the result? God delivered them through their fear to an inconceivable victory!
How appropriate is this for us today? Are you looking at seemingly unsurmountable circumstances? Are you living in fear in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic? Are you apprehensive about your finances during this time? Are you hesitant to breathe deep? Do you think there is no way your family, community, state or nation can get through this? Just know that the same God that delivered an army from an opposing force 44,900% bigger than it’s own is on your side and fighting for you.
During this time, the Holy Spirit has been faithful to me and bring scripture to mind often. I haven’t been panicked or worrisome, but He’s been steadfast to bring me what I need to hear. Time and time again He has filled my mind with Deuteronomy 31:6 that reads:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
In these times when we’re overwhelmed with finances, health, safety, families, we could so easily give in to fear. But when we courageously follow His direction and promptings, we have victory in Him. Often times when I pray for a situation that doesn’t look like there is an outcome that I would desire, I pray that God would do what only He can do. In that way, God would get the glory and not man.
What about you? Are you living in fear? Is the situation you’re facing seem too daunting to approach? Think about these things.
- Are you living in fear amidst an “impossible” situation right now? Ask the Father to show you how you may be doing so and how to place your trust in Him again.
- Know and believe that the Lord will show you what He wants you to see. He will also provide you a path to victory.
- Remove the blinders the enemy has placed upon you by using the word of God as your weapon. Spend time in it. Dwell and be still while ruminating on what you read.
- When you experience triumph and deliverance from your hopeless situation, and you will when you seek out our Savior and follow where He leads, don’t miss the opportunity you have to give Him the glory He so richly deserves. Sing your praises to the Lord!
