GOD DWINDLED 32,000 down to 300 for Gideon’s army’s defeat over the great host of the Midianites.
“And the LORD said to Gideon, “The people who are with you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel claim glory for itself against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’” Judges 7:2
The story of Gideon is a fascinating and encouraging story of victory that in the natural had no chance. Without God, they would have been slaughtered. It’s a lesson to be etched in our hearts to never go out against the enemy without God. For with God, all things are possible; but without God, you will be slaughtered before your enemy. Receive wisdom from the book of Acts, “Jesus I know and Paul I know, but who are you?” (Acts 19:13-16) Without the Spirit of God, the enemy will destroy you.
Here’s the lesson God showed me: pride in our accomplishments becomes a hindrance to receiving God’s full power and help, “lest Israel claim glory for itself, saying ‘my own hand has saved me’”. A few stories come to mind, Nebuchadnezzar’s prideful fall being one. What do you have that was not given you? Pride is one of those tricky sins that needs to constantly be kept in check.
Let us remind ourselves that the enemy fell from glory because of his pride, not his actions. Get this, he did not exalt his throne above God (because he could not); but it was in his heart to do this rebellious act. Satan was cast out because of the pride in his heart. Pause and think about that before you go any further. Self-righteousness will bring swift destruction back upon you. God strictly opposes the prideful man, but gives grace and more grace to the humble.
“The Christian who is truly intimate with Jesus will never draw attention to himself but will only show the evidence of a life where Jesus is completely in control.” ~ Oswald Chambers.
Want to win your battles? God does not delight in the strength of man, but in the man’s heart to obey Him. I know it’s cliché to say, but God does not need your ability, just your availability. Make yourself available to God like Isaiah, “Here I am God, use me.” He doesn’t need a whole army, just a few faithful men. Humble yourself under His mighty hand. Let God dwindle your abilities until He says, “It is enough”. When it’s all Him and none of you, then you will truly be victorious.
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