Providing What You Need

Providing What You Need

The LORD told Gideon, “With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites. Send all the others home.” Judges 7:7

We’ve all been there before at one time or another. We’re facing a deadline, feeling incredibly shorthanded in time, ability, supplies, or resources to get the job done. Perhaps we remember all too vividly some days in high school or college when we faced a fast-approaching final exam and were certain we hadn’t studied the right material. Or we’re frustrated that we’ve been so easily distracted by a host of other things that made us less disciplined than we need to be to assure success in our endeavors. We feel like our only chance is with an army’s power behind us.

That’s what Gideon was thinking as he prepared to march on the Midianite camp. This reluctant warrior surmised the only possible way to defeat the enemy was with numbers—thirty-two thousand men strong. But God instructed the leader to begin paring down the army; first, asking them to own up to their bravery and then through a unique test beside a stream. When three hundred men were left, God gave the green light to Gideon who, with his troops, emerged victorious.

Could Gideon have won with the huge army? Certainly. But God wasn’t testing Gideon on his military strategy. He was giving Gideon a humility check. Rather than relying on a mighty force of men and boasting afterward, God wanted Gideon to rely on Him and be humble.

What mountain are you facing right now that you are sure you can’t scale? What problems are mounting that you know you can’t solve by yourself? Before you throw your hands in the air and heave a sigh of resignation, stop for a moment and remember something about the God who created you.

Remember this: He is there—right by your side. If He was able to secure a victory for Gideon over the Midianites with only three hundred men, He can help you with the insurmountable things you face. Humbly seize that assurance. The peace that brings will help you with the deadline, the test, or whatever seems formidable.

Uncommon Key > Whatever you are facing today, allow time to get ready, prepare as sufficiently as you are able, and do as well as you can—all to glorify Him. Humbly rely on His strength to help you finish victoriously.