The Opposition
The Midianites, the Amalekites and all the other eastern peoples had settled in the valley, thick as locusts. Their camels could no more be counted than the sand on the seashore. Judges 7:12, ESV
God had called Gideon to attack the Midianites, Amalekites, and other eastern peoples who had settled on the seashore of Gideon’s home in Ophrah. The passage above says the army Gideon was up against was "thick as locusts," with numbers so vast they couldn’t be counted. When God calls us to do something, the odds often seem stacked against us! This is how God works—He makes it clear that it will be His power delivering us. He works through our natural abilities, infusing them with His supernatural power, so we know that it’s Him alone who brings the victory.
Gideon had an army of 32,000 individuals and God told Gideon that was too many and he downsized that army to three hundred men. I love how compassionate God is and that he recognizes our limitations. Even though God had told Gideon he was with him, there was still fear in Gideon’s heart.
Gideon initially had an army of 32,000 men, but God told him that was too many and he downsized it to 300. I love how compassionate God is, recognizing our limitations. Although He had assured Gideon of His presence, there was still fear in Gideon’s heart. So God in his amazing way of just being God, he encouraged Gideon.
During that night the Lord said to Gideon, “Get up, go down against the camp, because I am going to give it into your hands. 10 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.” So he and Purah his servant went down to the outposts of the camp. The Midianites, the Amalekites and all the other eastern peoples had settled in the valley, thick as locusts. Their camels could no more be counted than the sand on the seashore. Gideon arrived just as a man was telling a friend his dream. “I had a dream,” he was saying. “A round loaf of barley bread came tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck the tent with such force that the tent overturned and collapsed.” His friend responded, “This can be nothing other than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has given the Midianites and the whole camp into his hands.” When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed down and worshiped. He returned to the camp of Israel and called out, “Get up! The Lord has given the Midianite camp into your hands.” Judges 7:9-15, ESV
We serve the Omnipresent, Omniscience, Omnipotent God and he is aways on our side fighting the battle way before we get to the first interaction! Hallelujah! It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8, ESV
Key points:
Fear is a liar
The odds will always look like they are against us
The Omnipresent God has handled the opposition.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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