Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.
This chapter details Gideon's victory over the Midianites, and is packed with incident. His infiltration of the enemy camp, the surprise night attack in which a sudden blaze of light throws the enemy into confusion, and the crushing victory with its grisly conclusion are all terribly exciting.
Gideon turns out to be a wily warrior after all. But we're reminded again of his fearfulness and lack of confidence (verse 10) – and God's tactics make it even worse for him. He's told to reduce his forces to a mere 300, because if he has a whole army they'll think they won the victory without God's help.
So the real excitement in the story turns out not to be about Gideon's military prowess, but his faith in God. The real battle is fought in his mind, not at the Midianite camp: will he really believe God's word?
We should be careful about taking Gideon's experience as a pattern for our own. If we're undertaking a project, it usually makes sense to plan carefully and bring all our resources to bear; a carefree 'the Lord will provide' attitude doesn't always honour God. In Gideon's case, though, God repeatedly reassured him that he was with him. With God's help, extraordinary things can be achieved by people who humanly speaking lack any prospect of success. We may face great challenges, but we have a greater God.
God, let me not be daunted by the enemies I face. Help me to remember that it's not my strength that counts, but yours; and let me be open to your leading, wherever it may take me.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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