READING: Judges 7:1-9:21
God’s grace truly is amazing. Even when He intentionally leads us in an unexpected or unusual direction, we can trust Him to take care of us. I’m reminded of that truth today as I read the story of Gideon and his armies—a story I’ve read many times before but haven’t always camped out (no pun intended) where the Lord has directed me today.
Gideon and his forces were ready to take on the Midianites, but God deemed they were too large to go into battle, lest they claim the glory for victory. God had another plan: he successively reduced the number of warriors from 32,000 to 300, gave the people a strange battle plan, and assured Gideon of victory. But—and here’s where grace is even more apparent in this story—God offered a plan to re-assure Gideon if the Israelite leader faced fear (and who would not have some fear when you have only 300 warriors left?). “If you are afraid to attack,” God said to Gideon, “go down to the camp with your servant Purah. Listen to what the Midianites are saying, and you will be greatly encouraged. Then you will be eager to attack” (Judg 7:10-11).
God gave Gideon a clear plan—one he was to obey—but God also knew Gideon’s heart. Even knowing God’s promise of victory, Gideon was still afraid. We might hope that he would have just trusted fully, but still he dealt with fear. God knew that, though, and he allowed Gideon to hear the dream of the Midianite that guaranteed Israelite victory. It’s the grace of God that led him to re-assure Gideon even when he could have chastised him for his fear.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Are you so strong on your own that you need God to reduce you—and then reassure you, too?
TODAY’S PRAYER: “God, thank You for conquering our fears even when we should just trust.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Judges 9:22-11:28
