In Judges chapter 6, we are introduced to a judge named Gideon. At that time, God’s people were under the oppression of the Midianites, so they cried out to God for help. God heard them and chose Gideon to deliver them from their enemies.
For years the mighty and ruthless Midianite army stole the Israelites’ crops and animals, leaving them with little or nothing to live on. God wanted Gideon to raise an army to go after the Midianites and destroy them, but there was one problem: Gideon didn’t want to go.
“’Pardon me, my lord,’ Gideon replied, ‘but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.’ The Lord answered, ‘I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.’”
– Judges 6:15-16 (NIV)
Judges 7:2
You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, ‘My own strength has saved me’”
Gideon felt that he was unqualified to be a leader, but God thought He was perfect for the job. Let’s take a look at this powerful story about a seemingly timid judge and his army of 300 and the lessons we can learn from it.
God calls Gideon
God sent an angel to tell Gideon that he had been chosen to save Israel, but Gideon had excuses why he wasn’t right for the job.
“’Pardon me, my lord,’ Gideon replied, ‘but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.’ The Lord answered, ‘I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.’” – Judges 6:15-16 (NIV)
God certainly knew Gideon was from a lowly clan and was the youngest in his family. God knows everything about us. He knows you’re struggling to make ends meet right now, but if He tells you that a time will come when you’ll have so much that you’ll even start blessing others, you best
believe Him.
He knows you’ve never left your little town, but if He tells you you’ll preach the gospel around the world, do not doubt Him. Jehovah does not call the qualified, He qualifies those He calls. While you count your shortcomings, He is making a way for you to fulfill your purpose.
The 300-man army
Gideon gathered an army of 32,000 men to go to war with the Midianites, but He must have been surprised when God told him, “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).
The Bible tells us that at this time the Midianites had joined forces with the Amalekites and others to form a huge army. Wouldn’t it have been logical for Gideon to gather all the able-bodied men he could find? But God didn’t want more men, and eventually, the army of 32,000 was whittled to a mere 300.
Trust in the Lord
You see, when God is on your side, it doesn’t matter who is against you. They may be bigger, stronger, or even more influential than you are. When Jehovah is with you, no one can hurt you.
Our God is the lion of the tribe of Judah. He is Jehovah Nissi, the Lord our banner. A thousand may fall at your right, and 10,000 by your right hand, but He will never let anything hurt His own (Psalm 91:7). Greater is He that is in you than He that is in the world. Trust in His word, and have faith in Him.
He will confirm His word
To confirm His word, God sent Gideon some signs. There was the dew on the fleece (Judges 6:36-40) and the dream of the loaf of bread tumbling into the Midianite camp (Judges 7:13).
Many times God will send a confirmation after giving you a prophetic word. He might send someone to talk to you, or He’ll give you a dream or a vision. God can use any channel.
The battle against the Midianites
“When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed down and worshiped. He returned to the camp of Israel and called out, ‘Get up! The Lord has given the Midianite camp into your hands.’ Dividing the three hundred men into three companies, he placed trumpets and empty jars in the hands of all of them, with torches inside.” – Judges 7:15-16
The 300-man army went to the edge of the camp of the Midianites. There they blew their trumpets and broke the jars. Then they shouted, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!” God caused confusion in the camp of the Midianites and they turned on each other with their swords.
By the hand of God, Israel, with a small army of just 300, defeated an army in the tens of thousands. When you start praying and worshiping, miracles will happen. Call out His name and
worship Him. Whether you’re in the valley or in a storm, praise Him and He will put confusion in the camp of your enemies.
Conclusion
The battle is not yours, it’s the Lord’s. Trust Him and obey His word. Praise Him in every circumstance. Those plotting against your family, business, or health will be confused and turn on each other.
God is still in the business of doing miracles and He is about to do something incredible in your life. Gideon’s story teaches us that we’re never too small or broken for God to use. He can do great things with you, just as He did with Gideon.
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