January 25, 2024

Because of the oppression brought on by the Midianites, God had Gideon prepare for war. But, because He is God, it wouldn't go down like Gideon thought because he only needed a few men to rout this mighty army. God had Gideon sort out the men; those who were fearful, he sent them back to their tents; there were twenty-two thousand left, leaving ten thousand. God said there were still too many, so he set up another test and sorted them out by those who lapped water like a dog or politely kneeled by the water to drink. God chose those who lapped the water like a dog to be part of the regiment of three hundred. Gideon and his servant then went and spied on the enemy's camp and overheard one of the men telling his dream about a barley cake smashing a tent. The man with the dream's tent mate interpreted the dream, explaining that Gideon was going to win this war and called it the sword of Gideon by the hand of God. That seemingly minor word gave Gideon the confidence to get the job done because he knew God would make them victorious. The victory was even sweeter because they went armed only with trumpets and a torch hidden in a pitcher. They were scared by the trumpet and the pitcher's breaking, causing them to draw their swords upon one another, and the rest ran away in fear. 

God wants our victories to be attributed to Him and for us to give Him all the glory. That's why when you feel like He's yanking the rug out from under you, He's setting it up for you to see how good He is. Let no discouragement overtake you. Relax and let God handle the details; He is for you, not against you, and the victory will be even sweeter because you stepped aside and let Him handle it. 

And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon. And they stood every man in his place round about the camp: and all the host ran, and cried, and fled. Judges 7:20-21