When times are tough, sometimes we can feel that God has abandoned us. Have you ever wondered why God puts us in such situations - situations when the odds are stacked against us and it looks like a losing battle. Sometimes we don't recognise that God may be the author of that very difficult situation. He sets us up in difficult circumstances so that He can show us that He is all that we really need and that we don't need to rely on ourselves. We see this in the life of Gideon.The Israelite army of 32,000 men led by Gideon was getting ready to fight the Midianites when the Lord intervened and reduced the size of the army to a mere 300!
Judges 7:2-4
The LORD said to Gideon, "You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, 'My own strength has saved me.' Now announce to the army, 'Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.' So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained. But the LORD said to Gideon, "There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will sift them for you there. If I say, 'This one shall go with you,' he shall go; but if I say, 'This one shall not go with you,' he shall not go."
When God was done with the sifting, Gideon's army was reduced to 300, less than 1% of the original size of 32,000.
Undoubtedly, Gideon was shaken and wondering whether God had abandoned him and was even against him. But God gave Gideon encouragement to make him realise that He was in control and He was with them! God woke Gideon at night and enabled him to overhear a Midianite soldier recounting a terrifying dream - a vision of Israelite victory! This dream assured Gideon that the Lord was at work even in his seemingly imposible situation. And we know that Gideon went on to win the battle against the Midianites (Judges 7). Like Gideon, sometimes God may put us in a challenging, hopeless situation with the odds stacked against us. We need to realise that God never abandons us and that we can boldly rely on His faithfulness and His strength. He will make a way out for us so that His name is glorified!
John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Matthew 28:20
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
What are the challenges that you are facing? In this life, we will face heartache, difficulties, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. As a child of God, are you relying on your strength and abilities or instead are you relying on God's strength and His abilities. Realise that sometimes God wants us to know that He is sufficient for us. Yes, He is all that we need. Stand firm and be encouraged because our God is faithful and He leads us to definite victory!
