A Psychological Warfare
Opening Prayer
O Lord, teach me to trust You as I read Your Word today.
Read JUDGES 7:15–24a
15 When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed down and worshiped. He returned to the camp of Israel and called out, “Get up! The Lord has given the Midianite camp into your hands.” 16 Dividing the three hundred men into three companies, he placed trumpets and empty jars in the hands of all of them, with torches inside.
17 “Watch me,” he told them. “Follow my lead. When I get to the edge of the camp, do exactly as I do. 18 When I and all who are with me blow our trumpets, then from all around the camp blow yours and shout, ‘For the Lord and for Gideon.’”
19 Gideon and the hundred men with him reached the edge of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after they had changed the guard. They blew their trumpets and broke the jars that were in their hands. 20 The three companies blew the trumpets and smashed the jars. Grasping the torches in their left hands and holding in their right hands the trumpets they were to blow, they shouted, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!” 21 While each man held his position around the camp, all the Midianites ran, crying out as they fled.
22 When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the Lord caused the men throughout the camp to turn on each other with their swords. The army fled to Beth Shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel Meholah near Tabbath. 23 Israelites from Naphtali, Asher and all Manasseh were called out, and they pursued the Midianites. 24 Gideon sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim, saying, “Come down against the Midianites and seize the waters of the Jordan ahead of them as far as Beth Barah.”
So all the men of Ephraim were called out and they seized the waters of the Jordan as far as Beth Barah.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Can you remember times when God has transformed your doubts into confidence? Thank him for these times now.It does not appear that there was any hand-to- hand fighting in this battle. It was all to do with panic setting in among the Midianites. Once it had taken hold (21,22), they themselves embarked upon an orgy of mutual self-destruction, blinded by the darkness and dazzled by the lights. The tribes of Israel were merely called out to take part in the mopping-up operation as the invaders fled the scene (23,24). It was a spectacular success, as the Lord had predicted (7). Later in his life when his fame had spread far and wide, Gideon’s memory must have gone back again and again to his former doubts and fears, now completely erased, to marvel at the wisdom and expertise of God. It was mind-blowing and life-changing.
If you are indecisive and self-doubting but are lifted out of this by God’s grace, you too will feel the same sense of wonder that the Lord has brought you out into a place of victory. It is of course his victory, not yours, but it is an experience to cherish for the rest of your life. Bow down before him and worship his name. “For every virtue we possess and every victory won, and every thought of holiness are his alone” (Harriet Auber, Golden Bells No. 187).
Apply
What is God asking you to step out in faith about? What practical steps can you take towards obedience today?
Closing prayer
God, I have doubts and fears that I want to lay before You. Give me a deeper faith to take You at Your word.
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