The Size of the Army does not Count

This is an account of the events that took place during the reign of Gideon. The Israelites were oppressed by the Midianites, Amalekites and other nations. Now, an angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and told him that the Lord wants him to deliver his people from the Midianites. After wrestling with the Lord about his abilities, Gideon agreed to take the task. He took 32 000 (thirty two thousands soldiers. God said in Judges 7: 2 that, he (Gideon) had too many men for God to deliver Midian into their hands. God indicated that the army was too big and would make the Israelites to boast thinking that they won the battle on their strength. On the guidance of the Lord, the army was reduced to only three hundred men (soldiers). This was approximately one percent of the entire army. Amazingly, the three hundred won the battle without even fighting. The enemy forces turned against each other.

Fellow Christians, our victory is not based on how many people are on our side. It depends on God. The scripture says that “If God is for us, who can be against us.” So if you are facing an obstacle that is so big and you are thinking that you cannot win. Just remember that if you are in God’s battle, God himself will fight the battle. Is it not amazing that only three hundred men managed to pursue an entire army of the Midianites? God says that the battle is not yours, but his. God said to Gideon reduce the army to less than one percent of the original size. From thirty two thousands 932 000) soldiers to three hundred (300). One could have thought it was ridiculous to take three hundred men to fight against the whole nation of the Midianites. But that is according to the ways of man and not according to God.

But I like what God said to Gideon. He said, “Go in the strength you have.” The strength did not necessarily have to be above the strength of their enemies. It only had to be enough to do his part while allowing God to do his part. Gideon and his army of three hundred men only needed to blow the trumpets. This tells me that it does not matter how many soldiers you have. If you still have strength to do what God wants you to do. If you still have enough strength to praise and worship God, part of your problem is solved. Fellow Christians, let us not be concerned about the size of the army, but about our own strength to pray, worship and fellowship with the Lord. It is our ability to do our part that will allow God to move in our lives and not the size of our support.

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