Thoughts for another day

Oct. 19, 2007

Today's verse: Jdgs. 7:2. And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

God’s ways are total. Everything is complete in itself or not at all. Like a few days ago we read in these reflections, either ‘yes’ or ‘no’ nothing in-between. So too, here in the verse above, God is making a point with Gideon, one of the judges, through whom God brought redemption to Israel. With not a single man’s help, but totally by Himself.

In this account, we have the Midianites wrecking havoc on the Israelites who cry out to God. God arranges to save them through Gideon and provides signs to Gideon that He will redeem the Israelites through him. When Gideon prepares for battle, God does an amazing thing: He tells Gideon to reduce the men with him so that after they gain victory, they do not attribute it to their own effort. And through an interesting chain of events, God brings about victory through 300 men who do not even wield a sword! Imagine, the enemy – as numerous as locusts – being reined in by 300 men who blow horns with one hand and hold lit torches with the other!! That is the power of God and the completeness of His work. This is the God we worship!!!

Only thing He needs is that, we are totally surrendered and deign to give Him alone the glory and the honor. My friend, is it too difficult to do that? I know there are many of us here who are not surrendered completely and therefore continuously face tumult. But today, if you feel good about your God, lay hold of His Spirit in sweet and complete surrender. And determine in your heart that you will honor Him alone. Then, no matter what your situation of difficulty, sit back and watch how He brings you out of it.