Judges 6, 7
God intended Gideon to be a mighty warrior and that’s who he shall be. I believe God knows Gideon so well that He understands his heart is for Him but he could be timid and wanted to be assured. I seem to see myself in Gideon: I know God has come through for me and given me the word of Spirit many times in the past. I don’t mean to forget but I feel my short-term memory loss seems to draw me down to feel so blurry to those experiences. However, God is so compassionate and understanding. He doesn’t rebuke me for my memory loss. But He constantly reinforces the learning through many different incidents. It seems that I am learning the same thing over and over again. However, my Master never rebukes me for my slowness to learn and remember. And He always encourages me by speaking to me through His Word. How blessed and thankful I am.
Today, I learn to give thanks quickly as the devil tries to steal it. Therefore, I won’t lose it and fall into the complaining pit. Then, I rebuke the spirit of complaining to go away and continue to give thanks for who God is and what God has done to me and others.
The first prayer meeting in BBC is coming on December 6. I have prayed about this to happen and God is showing me His work. I am so honored to be called and I am willing to follow. Today, God uses Judges 7 to tell me what He will do.
God told Gideon that he has too many men to go with him. There were 22,000 men. So God let those who fear go back (7:3). And there were still 10,000 men. God knows if we are too strong in flesh, we will boast about it and won’t give glory to God. Therefore, God wants us to deny our flesh first. Note: If we give glory to God, God will give us glory in heaven. It’s like my red envelope money is given to my mom, and she saves it for me for later.
God Himself called the people to go with Gideon (v4). Gideon took down the men to the water (v5) and God sifted them. Those who lapped with their hands to their mouths to drink was fewer than those who got down on their knees to drink. So, these 300 men were God’s chosen men to go with Gideon. In my opinion, these 300 men were the alert ones because they kept standing to watch out and did not bow down on their knees.
I learn that I can invite people to come to the prayer meeting. But only God will choose those whom shall go.
God said to Gideon, “With the 300 men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands.” (v7) This matched my praying experience. God not only calls me to pray, but He wants to save me and then lead me to fight against the devil and give me victory. The prayer time with God changes my life. It’s God’s power in the midst of my worship to Him.
God gave Gideon strategy to fight. During the night, the Lord said to Gideon, “Get up, go down against the camp, because I am going to give it into your hands.” (v 9) Meanwhile, God knows Gideon’s heart. So, He said to Gideon with understanding, “If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp.” (v10-11)
Praise God for He is all-knowing and compassionate God. God gives me prayer partners and give me instructions to fight and give me prophetic word from another saint in case I doubt what I heard. And “His ways are pleasant and His paths are peace.” (Proverbs 3:17) So, when my heart is joyful and peaceful, I am assured that God’s presence and His guidance.
Gideon did hear the dream of a man and its interpretation, knowing God has given the Midianites and the whole camp into his hands. (v14) Gideon worshipped God right away when he heard it. I shall do the same: when I hear God, I shall give Him praise, glory and thanksgiving because He is worthy of my worship. And worshipping God is the source of my strength to fight.
Gideon has the strategy from God: “Watch me, follow my lead.” (v17) Gideon and 100 men who were with him blew their trumpets. The other 200 men divided to 3 companies also blow theirs and shout, “For the Lord and for Gideon”. (v18)
When we pray, the Holy Spirit is our leader. Each of the saints who have the Holy Spirit in their deep, is calling to another in the roar of His waterfalls, as the rivers of living water flowing from within us (John 7:38). And God’s presence like waves and breakers have swept over us who pray. (Psalm 42:7). What a sight to shout and echo to one another.
The power of the shouting scared the enemies (v21). Then, God caused the enemies through the camp to turn on each other with their swords. (v 22). God has done the impossible for Gideon and his men. Then, all other Israelites from Naphtali, Asher and all Manasseh were called out (v23) to pursue the Midianites.
God wants to give all the saints His victory. Each of us take our positions to capture, kill and pursue the enemies like Gideon’s people (v24-25).
“The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory rests with God. (Proverbs 21:31)” God trains us to fight and give us instructions to assure us to take the position faithfully, the rest is with God and God definitely wins because Jesus Christ has overcome the world and the devil. Therefore, we as mighty warriors have been more than conquerors. Praise God!