Village Schools of the Bible

RASCALS USED BY GOD
A Devotional Study of Judges
by Max Frazier, Jr.

CLOSING THE LIFE OF GIDEON
Judges 8:1-35

Our focus has been upon God's servant, Gideon. As this eighth chapter of Judges open, the small army of Gideon is hot on the heels of the fleeing Midianites. There is chaos and death all along the path of retreat. The Midianites are in a rout, and Gideon is in hot pursuit. He is assured that God is giving him a complete victory.

I am impressed by a thought which comes out of verse 4 of this chapter. There we read, Gideon and his three hundred men, exhausted yet keeping up the pursuit, came to the Jordan and crossed it. The battle had waxed long and hard, yet it was not time to declare victory yet. Their bodies were tired and stretched to the limits. It was tempting to call it quits. Yet they kept going.

Friends, I don't know about you, but there have been many times when I found serving the Lord to be a fatiguing business. The days are often long and the pressures are often immense. Weariness can begin to set in, yet one must continue pursuing. God will provide the strength for our labors.

Let us focus for just a few moments on the causes for spiritual faintness. Whenever I encounter weariness, I take time to evaluate my devotional life. Am I spiritually hungry because I am not taking the time to feed my own soul? If I am lacking spiritual food, I will soon grow spiritually weak. Those moments of reflection in God's Word and communion with Him through prayer are vitally important if I am to not grow weary in well-doing.

I also ask myself if I am weary because I am physically tired. I am reminded that even Jesus had to set aside time to rest. We read in Mark 6:31, Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said them, "come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." There are those times when a person must simply get away for a few hours or even a few days. Attend a Bible conference where you can get spiritual refreshment for your own souls. Sit and read a good book or listen to your favorite piece of music. I remember reading the following quote: If you don't come apart, you will come apart. That is some powerful good advice.

Friends, God expects our attainments to be no more than proportional to our strength. Remember these words from David's pen, for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust (Psalm 103:14). God is not a hard task master making us make bricks without any straw. God realizes what you can do. He knows what your gifts and abilities are.

But, I also need to remember that the real source of victory is not our strength or ability, but God's. At times, our faintness will drive us into the arms of God. We will cry out, "I can't, but You can!" How God loves to hear those words.

Let me close our study in the life of Gideon by reading one of my favorite verses from the Bible. I think it describes Gideon's relationship with God, and I have found it so very true in my own life. But those who hope (I like the KJV word "wait") in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31).

Father, I rejoice in the daily strength which You provide. In those times of weariness, we can turn to You and You will lift us up. You will give us the enablement to accomplish the purposes You have set before us. I am so thankful for all that Your Spirit has taught us this week from the life of this great servant, Gideon. Thank You for telling us his story. What an encouragement it has been. We look forward to what You will teach us in the coming days. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.

Judges 7 Return to the Table of Contents Judges 9