April 2, 2010—You Have too Many…

Today’s Scripture Reading:  Judges 7:1 through Judges 9:21 

“You have too many warriors with you.”  That’s what the Lord said to Gideon. (1:2)

If I would have been Gideon, a farmer who was trying to lead an army, I probably would have said, “Excuse me, I need all the help I can get! You can never have too many warriors!”  But before Gideon had a chance to ask why, the Lord explained it perfectly:  If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength. (1:2)

Friends, this principle  didn’t just apply in Gideon’s day.  I can think of many times God has said “I want you to do this with…

• Less money
• Less education
• Less equipment
• Less people
• Less confidence in your ability
• Less praise from others

…because I want to receive all the Glory”.

I remember a time in my life when I was having great success in my career.  In the beginning I knew the Lord was blessing me but as time moved forward and more and more success came my way I began to think it was my personality, talents and hard work that made everything fall into place.  I’m sad to tell you that this was one of those times the Lord said, “If you think you’re so hot then do it by yourself!”  Once the Spirit of the Lord (yesterday’s reading) left me to do it on my own, I quickly crashed and burned.  It was over twelve years ago but the memory is still vivid.  Talking in front of groups of people had been so easy, but without “the Spirit of the Lord taking possession” (6:34) I began to dread the thought of any type of interaction with people.  I’ve always heard that success is a bigger test than failure; I think it was true in my life.

The best place to be is under-qualified with God’s anointing.  Gideon found this out in today’s reading. 

It’s interesting that the Lord weeded out the majority of the extras with one word:  fear

When I look at the list of “lesses” fear is certainly a natural by-product of each of them.  That’s what our enemy, the devil is hoping for—our fears to overtake us so we won’t do what God has planned for us to do.

I pray that we will be like Gideon; once we hear the Lord call us out, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you,” we will step out with less and give all the Glory to the Lord.

 

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This Week-end’s Scripture Reading: 

Saturday-Judges 9:22 through Judges 11:28

Sunday-Judges 11:29 through 15:20