Read: Judges 7:1-8

The Midianite soldiers were ruthless and tough, and they attacked their enemies with brute force. They were also very proud and relied on their strength to defeat their enemies. God did not want such an attitude govern His people Israel when they faced enemies. So He told Israel’s commander Gideon, “The people who are with you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel claim glory for itself against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me” (Judges 7:2). As a result, those who were fearful were sent away. Ten thousand remained. God continued to downsize the army until only three hundred men were left (Judges 7:3-7).

Having less number of soldiers meant that Israel was heavily outnumbered. Despite this, God gave Gideon a miraculous victory. In our lives, God may allow our resources to diminish so that we rely on His strength alone and not ours. He is the One who says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isa. 41:10). We can always trust that God will strengthen us where we need it. It was in the midst of shortcomings that Paul the apostle said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13).