Not Our Way

Editor's Note: We all have thoughts — some good - some bad, but nonetheless they are thoughts. Our thoughts should be reflected upon and dealt with biblically (Rom. 12:1-3; Gal. 6:3; Phil. 3:12-17; Phil. 4:8-9; 2 Pet. 3:1, etc.). ‘Just Thinkin Out Loud' (spelling of ‘thinkin'' is purposeful) is a series of thoughts that are being made public. You may or may not agree with all of the thoughts you read in this series, but it will help all of us to discuss them — out loud. The hope of the author and editors at IIIM is that this will assist all of us to begin personal reflection upon our own thoughts and compare them with God's perspective in Holy Scripture. Readers are encouraged to use small discussion groups and/or our RPM forum for any irenic discussion(s) of these specific thoughts and others they may bring about.

Army, you say? Yes Army! Gideon was an outright chicken in hiding when he got his draft notice. He was not the least bit interested in a fight, but he was called "Mighty Warrior." Somebody knew something about him that he didn't, apparently.

Gideon was called to lead a mighty army to fight against Israel's enemies. A big difference was this was not a "US and allied forces against Iraq" type of battle, with carpet bombs, smart missiles and all. This was a horn and percussion section, tootin and bangin for all they were worth, only to have the enemy fall out like flies after a spray of insect repellent.

So this "mighty warrior" called an army and had it pared down by God to 300 people to face a much larger army. Yet it happened, they won! How more dramatic proof do we need that the ways of God are not the ways of man? The ways of God call upon His people simply to act in confident belief that He is going to do His part. Not only that, but His part is going to be so crucial to success that it will be clear who caused the victory.

As it was with Gideon, so it is with us!

Tell me what you think, I'm just thinkin out loud!