“The LORD said to Gideon, ‘You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands. … that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her.’”
Judges 7:2
By nature, we often try to put the spotlight on our talents and abilities as we glorify God. We’re inclined to want credit right alongside of (or sometimes even above) God. When I worked as a real estate attorney, I enjoyed when others noticed my accomplishments and hoped they’d see that I was working for God’s glory.
Ever since my stroke, however, my limitations have greatly altered that. Sometimes I wonder how God can be glorified at all through such weakness and deficiency. The story of Gideon’s battle against the Midianites sheds light on this.
Gideon began with an army of 32,000 men which God said was far too many. Why? Because with such a massive army, the Lord knew they would claim victory for themselves and disregard the One who truly had won the battle for them. That temptation was as real for God’s people then as it is for us now.
When God reduced Gideon’s army by 99% percent, it was infinitely clear that the defeat of the Midianites was by the Lord’s strength alone. Through our weakness, His power shines through.
Ever since my stroke, however, my limitations have greatly altered that. Sometimes I wonder how God can be glorified at all through such weakness and deficiency. The story of Gideon’s battle against the Midianites sheds light on this.
Gideon began with an army of 32,000 men which God said was far too many. Why? Because with such a massive army, the Lord knew they would claim victory for themselves and disregard the One who truly had won the battle for them. That temptation was as real for God’s people then as it is for us now.
When God reduced Gideon’s army by 99% percent, it was infinitely clear that the defeat of the Midianites was by the Lord’s strength alone. Through our weakness, His power shines through.
Scripture Focus
Judges 7:1-14
Insight
“‘My own hand hath saved me’ must never come out of the mouth of such as shall be saved.” (Matthew Henry, 1706)
Bible In A Year
- Jeremiah 33-34
- Psalm 119:65-120
- 1 Corinthians 12