Trust
Judges 7:1–8, 19–23
Although Frank Sinatra’s theme song was “I Did it My Way,” you could say that Gideon’s theme song was “I Did it God’s Way.” In Chapter 7, we see a situation similar to the taking of Jericho. It was certainly going to be unconventional warfare. It would involve trumpets, torches, breaking of pitchers and shouting. When victory was accomplished, there would be no doubt as to the Source.
Too Many (1–3)
When Gideon, whom the Angel of the Lord identified as a “valiant warrior” (6:12), and his large army of 32,000 men prepared to go to battle with the Midianites, he asked for reassurance of God’s provision. Certainly, the battle would be difficult, but they had a great number of warriors and a good chance of victory. However, God didn’t want them placing their trust in numbers but in His promise and His presence.
Psalm 20:7 says, “Some take pride in chariots and others in horses, but we take pride in the name of the Lord our God.” So God told Gideon that he had too many soldiers. He instructed him to tell anyone who was afraid to go home. Twenty-two thousand left the battlefield and went home but 10,000 remained. I’m sure that was shocking for Gideon, but he probably still felt a certain measure of self-confidence.
What are some things we try to do in our own strength and might?
Still Too Many (4–8)
Gideon’s army of 10,000 was facing the Midianite army of 135,000 men. God told Gideon that he still had too many warriors. Gideon must have been shaking his head at this point but he trusted the Lord.
God instructed Gideon to bring the remaining troops down to the spring to drink. He relieved those warriors who knelt down and put their faces into the water to drink. Those who lapped water from their hands while still looking up remained. His army was now reduced to just 300 men.
If victory was somehow accomplished, there would be no doubt about God being the cause. He would receive all of the glory.
Have you seen God come through in miraculous ways when you have followed His direction even though it didn’t make sense?
Just Right (19–23)
God’s plan was best. Gideon divided the army into three groups that surrounded the massive Midianite camp in the middle of the night. As a coordinated team, they followed Gideon’s lead. They blew the trumpets, broke the pitchers, lit the torches and shouted. The confused Midianite army turned their swords on each other. Those who weren’t killed outright fled for their lives. At this point men from Naphtali, Asher and Manasseh joined in the pursuit.
Is there anything that your church is involved with that can be answered with the phrase, “Only God …”
I would encourage you to review the study “Experiencing God,” paying particular attention to the section where Blackaby discusses God-sized assignments. In it, he writes, “I have come to the place in my life that, if the assignment I sense God is giving to me is something I know I can handle, then I know that it is probably not from God. The assignments God gave in the Bible were always God-sized.”
By Don Fugate
Senior pastor of Foxworthy Baptist Church in San Jose, California
