April 27

Too Big an Army

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 60:5-12; Judges 7:1 – 8:17; Luke 23:13-43; Proverbs 14:7-8

Today’s Scripture Focus:  Judges 7:1-8:17

The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands. In order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her (Judges 7:2 NIV). 

God sized projects require leaning on God for wisdom—not relying on our own. God sized projects require trusting in his strength rather than our own. God sized projects require being prayerful and obedient even when the direction God gives goes against all conventional wisdom.

Conventional wisdom says, “assemble the largest army you can to defeat the enemy.” God in his wisdom said, “You have too many men.” He gives instructions to let the fearful men go back home. The army goes from 32,000 to 10,000. But there were still too many. So God gives further instructions that whittle down the army to 300. Just the right size to accomplish his will.

The temptation for Israel would be to boast in her military strength. God wanted to remind them that he is their strength. He wanted to show them that what really matters is not the strength of the army, but the strength of our God.

God accomplished the victory using 300 men. What a testimony to his power. What a testimony to His wisdom. When we trust in God’s strength and are obedient to his wise direction (however unconventional), we are blessed and he is glorified.

When you find yourself in a difficult place, look for God’s wisdom and strength. Sometimes he stretches our faith by giving us unconventional wisdom. Don’t be afraid. Trust him and obey and look with expectation to the victory he will bring.

Lord, I need your wisdom and your strength to carry it through. I trust you to be faithful to your promise. I look with expectation to the victory you will bring as I follow your instructions. Amen.