Today, was mind-blown by the story of Gideon and his army of 300. Yes, they were the 300, before the fictional 300 came about.
Although Israel literally tasted the goodness of God (the manna and quails), they still fell into unbelief and worshiped other gods such as Baal, the local god of the Canaan region. Only when they were desperate they called on God, whom heard their cries and raised up Gideon to defeat the Midianites.
Quoting my YA cell leader who shared the message in Passion Curtin combined just now, Gideon was not playing PS4/3 at home or doing nothing, but he was threshing wheat secretly (if he was found out to have food, he will be pillaged by the Midianites) when God's messenger went to meet him. This shows that Gideon was not a person who would waste his time, but had been doing what was necessary. Even though the angel told him God sent for Gideon, Gideon only believed when he saw the food burnt up before his eyes and the angel disappeared. Then Gideon was asked to destroy the altar for Baal and build the altar for God in his city which worshiped Baal. Gideon didn't go all brave and destroy it in day time, but he gathered 10 and did it secretly at night.
Then when God called him to battle the combined Midianite forces, he asked for confirmation from God after gathering the Israelites to fight. But, he asked not once but twice! Even then, God was patient with him and assured him. When they were heading out, God said cut down the number (for they had 32000) because they can brag if they win with large numbers. So they were only 300 in the end after 2 sifting processes. This 300 was shaken when they saw the number of camels the enemy army has but God sent a dream to assure them.
There you go. An army of 300, led by a man who has been brought to lead little by little through all the small assurances of God, went to battle without a sword! All they had was a hidden torch in a clay pot and a ram horn. But you know what, the large Midianite army fought against themselves after being ambushed by the 300, and ran towards the land of the Israelites.
So you see, God sent back the large number of army to their hometowns. We did not foresee the enemy will run towards the Israelite cities but God knew it. So no enemy army was left.
Would you really start walking with God, away from the threshing floor you are so used to if you are called?
Would you walk with God, and though you may ask for confirmation, you still continue in faith?
God will assure you when you place His kingdom and righteousness first. No doubt.
