My 300

Today, we all face difficult or seemingly impossible odds. I look at my job of raising my children in a fallen world, wanting so much to open their minds and pour into them the wisdom of God. I long to raise them in a way that they hunger and thirst for righteousness, that they love God with all they are, and love others as they love themselves. I also long to teach them at home with wisdom and structure and love; equipping them with ALL they need for their road ahead. I desire to be a wife that supports and honors my husband. I long to run our business as if I truly believed it belongs to God, and not myself. This is just a short list of the mountains I see in front of me. The mountains I see that are too difficult to move.

But...there is a story in the book of Judges, about a man named Gideon, that gives me so much hope, and a glimpse of the nature of the God we serve. God called Gideon to lead His army even though he was the least of the least of the least. But that is not where my hope comes. God's army was already out numbered in battle against Midian, and he tells Gideon these mind blowing words,

“The people who are with you are too many for Me to give Midian into their hands, for Israel would become boastful, saying, ‘My own power has delivered me.’

Already out numbered, God says you are too many. And why? Because at these odds, you just might pull it off with your own power, and would then become prideful of your accomplishments. So He eventually knocks Gideon's army from difficult odds, to impossible odds.

It occurs to me, that possibly, the odds I am facing today, the long list of impossible tasks, and enormous responsibility, are actually of God's design? When I am putting my faith in the hope that I can do it, I have missed the whole point. I can't do it. My 300 to the world's innumerable warriors and resources, actually, really is an impossible task--for me. And that simple statement is the lesson God wants me to learn, and has been trying to teach me all along.

Let's continue to read in Judges,

The Lord said to Gideon, “I will deliver you with the 300 men who lapped and will give the Midianites into your hands; so let all the other people go, each man to his home.”

"I will deliver you." This was a promise that Gideon received from God BEFORE the battle, with your 300 men against...

"as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as numerous as the sand on the seashore..."

Remember these are God's odds, his promises are never ending! When you are afraid, remember that Gideon was too. When you are out numbered, remember that Gideon was too. When the enemy comes in like a flood, praise God, because it is He who fights your battles. It is HE who will deliver you!

Lord God, Be with us today, as we go about our day. Remind us of your power when we feel powerless. Remind us of your victory when when we are too overwhelmed to see. Remind us of your love for us, and your never-ending promises to us.

Thank you for the victories you have already given us, and the ones that we soon shall see! Thank you for Jesus, your love and your mercy.

In Christ's name I pray.

Amen.