“announce now to the people, ‘Anyone who trembles with fear
may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.”
So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained.”
Judges 7: 3
This verse has a
powerful message: Of the thirty-two
thousand men who started with Gideon’s army, twenty-two thousand retreated when
given the opportunity, due to fear. That percentage is staggering! More than two – thirds of the men disqualified themselves from being a
part of God’s great plan because they let themselves be controlled by fear!
It is easy to look at this story as
criticize the men – how could they turn away?
After all, hadn’t Gideon received not one, not two, but three signs
indicating he was hearing from the Lord?
God had a mighty plan for Gideon and his army. However, when given the choice, two thirds of
that army turned away because of fear! They disqualified themselves from the
good and perfect gift our Father had planned for them.
How often has this happened to you? Perhaps you are presented with an
opportunity, but feel you are not qualified, so you disqualify yourself from
the blessing God has intended especially for you.
The next time you are given the
opportunity to retreat in the face of fear, remember “the Lord is with you, mighty warrior,” and instead, trust in
God and rely of His faithfulness to fight your battle. Don’t disqualify yourself!
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