The movie Rudy tells the true tale of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, a smallish, walk-on (nonscholarship) player who tried to make the powerhouse University of Notre Dame’s football team. He didn’t have the size. He didn’t have the athleticism. But he had the heart to make the team and even went on to play in a game!
Gideon was also a “shrimp” who didn’t seem to stand a chance against the imposing Midianite army. In fact, when the angel of the Lord told him that he would lead the attack, he squealed, “How can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” (Judges 6:15). Gideon was feeling mighty wimpy.
That’s when God totally blew his mind. In the span of just six verses, God winnowed Gideon’s Israelite army—already outnumbered four to one—from 32,000 men to just 300! (7:2-7, 8:10). We’re talking less than 1 percent of the original number of soldiers. If he had been allowed to, Gideon would have likely bolted with the 22,000 guys who left on the first day of downscaling due to their serious case of knee-knocking fear.
Why did God mini-size the Israelite army? To keep Gideon and his guys from thinking it was all about them! (v.2). He wanted them to know that the battle would be won by His strength alone. And it was—the “half-pint” army of 300 was used by God to destroy the mammoth Midianite forces (vv.22-25).
When you feel small standing before the mountainous task that God has called you to, remember these words: “[God] chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful” (1 Corinthians 1:27). His “power works best in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Follow God’s lead and watch Him receive the glory when the battle is won by His strength!
More:
Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).
Next:
What current challenge in life has made you feel small and powerless? What will it take for you to press on in God’s strength?
mysavinggrace on May 6, 2010 at 2:42 am
Thank you so much Tom! When I read the Bible passage, I could sense that God was speaking to me. I’ve been feeling rather tiny and weak when faced with this huge task that I have on hand. I have been feeling rather down, even thinking of giving up. But when I read about Gideon and how he was so much like me, I realized.. this battle of mine belongs to OUR GOD! 🙂 I am just but a vessel He works through. May I bring glory unto Him and Him alone! Amen!
rakesh.c on May 6, 2010 at 2:49 am
Thank you, Tom.
I badly needed this today. I am faced with a similar situation and was just feeling low thinking whether I’ll be able to come out victorious or not.
This lifted my spirits. I will now walk with confidence because God is with me. There’s nothing to fear.
Amen.
tom felten on May 6, 2010 at 8:01 am
rakesh.c, praise God for the confidence and hope He brings! He is with you in your situation and He will never abandon you (Hebrews 13:5).
stupart on May 6, 2010 at 5:26 am
Another timely word. The scripture tells us that the battle is not ours but the Lord’s. With this in mind we need to walk in confidence knowing that He is more than able to be our conqueror and provider in ALL situations. Thank you Tom!
tom felten on May 6, 2010 at 8:06 am
stu, you’re right! Regardless of the situation, we can trust and believe in Him—seeing things through eyes of faith (2 Corinthians 5:7).
nlpkwt on May 6, 2010 at 5:44 am
Dear Tom,
Thanks for reminding us that the big task ahead of me can be accomplished becuase God gives me the strength to do it.
tom felten on May 6, 2010 at 8:09 am
nlpkwt, I’ll pray for you, that God will give you all you need to complete your task (Philippians 4:13).
F.O.C.U.S. on May 6, 2010 at 9:39 am
Gina,
You’re spot on – we can all be such painfully slow learners at times can’t we? How many times do we need to learn the hard way that trusting in ourselves alone only brings disappointment in the end ? And yet to suggest otherwise demonstrates a wisdom that is at complete odds with this world.
As the Lord Jesus hung dying on the cross, the world looked and saw at best a well meaning but dismal failure. Heaven however, saw the King of Kings bringing about work of salvation – and no doubt praised the wonderful wisdom and power of God. May the Lord always help us to see and evaluate our lives from heaven’s perspective – for in the end, that’s all that really counts!
Soldier4Christ on May 6, 2010 at 10:25 am
Thank you Tom for this timely message, it makes me realize that even when I am going up against what seems to be an unconquerable sin in my life that when I put my trust in God, He is able to give me His strength to overcome and to live a life pleasing in His site.
tom felten on May 6, 2010 at 1:44 pm
Soldier, it’s so good to know that Jesus lives within us (Galatians 2:20). We’re not left alone to flounder. For the Holy Spirit will help us turn from sin and seek His truth and righteousness.
Ese on May 6, 2010 at 10:33 am
Tom Thank you for allowing God to use you as a vessel!
Just like Gideon, before claiming victory we need to allow God to use us!
This scripture spoke to me a lot, I have read it many times but it is only today that a few things stood out to me:
(V6-7) those who lapped the water were the ones who were willing to lay down, completly surrender. They were the ones chosen for the battle and the glory that followed.
(v 8) because those who kneeled were unwilling to lay down their lives, those who did took over their provisions and trumpets! The lack of dedication can be costly, someone else will take our glory; I have found myself in this position many times.
(v13) Bread is harmless, but in the hands of God it becomes a projectile, a weapon of mass destruction.
(v 21-22) Making noise for the Lord creates confusion in the enemy’s camp. Gideon and his troop did not even have to fight, just like Joshua in the battle of Jericho.
I look back and see how many times I have not claimed victory because I would not allow God to have his way, thinking I am wise enough, with enough experience to know what is best!
Lord help me!
tom felten on May 6, 2010 at 1:47 pm
Ese, I can definitely identify with what you’ve written. So often we run around in confusion instead of bowing before God and seeking His presence and wisdom. We desperately need God and His guidance. As you said, “Lord help us all!”
msumalabe on May 6, 2010 at 3:47 pm
Thank you for this message. I am in a situation right now where I am easily overcome with doubts and discouragement. There are times where I feel weak and defeated. This message has reminded me that the Lord’s grace is made perfect in our weakness; that the battle is not ours but His.
tom felten on May 6, 2010 at 7:57 am
It stirred me too! mysavinggrace, I love what David (mighty small in the giant’s shadow) said to Goliath, “This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” (1 Samuel 17:47). As you said, “I am just a vessel He works through.” That speaks of a real, humble faith and it leaves all outcomes, all glory, and all future concerns in God’s hands. It’s all about Him!
tom felten on May 6, 2010 at 9:29 am
Gina, I so appreciate your honesty. All of us struggle at times when something undesirable is happening. In my life today, someone I love is heading in a direction that looks disastrous. The realization is that I cannot control this person or make them follow the “narrow way that leads to life.” So, as you said, I “worship and trust” God . . . and pray for this person all the time.
tfedit on May 6, 2010 at 2:32 pm
damaris, great thoughts! And, yes, God’s power can truly flow though us when we are weak (2 Corinthians 12:10). I’ll pray that your tough situation goes well!