A Little Boost

That night the LORD said, “Get up! Go down into the Midianite camp, for I have given you victory over them! But if you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah. Listen to what the Midianites are saying, and you will be greatly encouraged. Then you will be eager to attack.” So Gideon took Purah and went down to the edge of the enemy camp. [Judges 7.9-11]

I know sometimes we make like following God we never have moments of doubt or fear. But we all know that is simply not true. And, thank God, it seems He understands that to some degree and offers His help.

God is not saying we should have doubts and fears, but simply acknowledges that we might, and, if we do, that He still offers reinforcing encouragement to remain true to our calling. That is exactly what He did for Gideon.

As the story goes, Gideon obviously did have some doubts and fears and so, took God up on His offer for reassurance by going down into the Midianite camp. It was there that in the fearful whispers of the enemy in the night that Gideon found encouragement.

How does this apply to God's true followers today? Well, it might encourage us to at least listen for fear in those who oppose us. It might encourage us to get past the overwhelming volume of our opponent en masse and look at what is going on at the individual level. It might surprise us and give us strength.

You gotta admit that starting with 32,000 soldiers and ending up with only 300 is atypical for winning a battle! And yet, God sometimes just wants to show off for us - on our behalf. God wants all the glory for what He does in our lives. So, we should not be surprised, and certainly not alarmed, when He asks us to give Him the chance to do so!

It just amazes me however, that God, after seeing Gideon's willingness to pare his army back to less than 1% of what it started out to be, was willing to give Gideon a little "boost" of encouragement in that secret visit to the Midianite camp.

God is speaking - are we listening?

Father, thank You for Gideon's story. I want to courageously attack whatever mission You lay out for my life, but I also appreciate the additional encouragement You offer along the way because You know the struggles I have with fear and doubt.