Main Judges 6:33 – 7:18

Good morning,

When the Midianites, Amalekites, and the Eastern people gathered to fight against Gideon and the Abiezrites in the Jezreel Valley or Armeggon (Revelations 16:16); the invite was sent to Manasseh, Asher, Naphtali, and Zebulun for a combined 32,000 foot soldiers. Gideon was told by the Commander of the Lord’s army, “You have too many men, go through and ask the men, ‘Is there any among you who are afraid, go home’”, and 22,000 men left the Mountain. The Lord said, “Gideon you still have too many” and Gideon was given another test; from that, 9,700 failed the test. So with a compliment of 300 men, Gideon prepared for war.

To the people who are strategists and tacticians, the Lord’s approach to developing an Army might seem to be a little “Crazy”. Yet knowing the propensity of mankind to boast about things that the Lord had done, reducing the size compels the leader to put his trust in the Lord (Psalms 25:1-7). Because he was faithful and followed orders, the Lord gave Gideon one more piece of “Good News”. When Gideon heard the dream and interpretation, if there was any doubt in his mind, it was gone that night. Like Gideon, many of you are in a battle that you are not sure you are going to win; maybe it’s been going on so long that you feel like you are never going to get out of it and thought seriously about running away. May I share a word of encouragement with you, “Don’t give up, and don’t give in, the victory is within reach” (Psalms 11:1-7).

Father,

Thank you so much for what you do in our lives. Sin’s greatest threat is that it destroys everything in its wake including the strongest relationships with the Lord. Gideon did not have 300 men to go destroy the altar, it was just him, and “so he went in the strength he had”. When he went to the enemy’s camp, he didn’t take his whole army, he went by himself at your request. Because you do not change, I know that when we put our faith in you and do what is asked of us, we will succeed. I pray for my family, city, state, and the Republic of the USA for your forgiveness over the sins of my people. I pray for restoration and healing over this great nation. I pray for those who are in armed conflict across the globe that you will watch over them and bring them home safely.

In Jesus’ Name