Roy De La Garza
Roy De La Garza

In Judges 7:4-6 we see God preparing Gideon for a big battle. God said Gideon’s army was too big. “Take them down to the water, and I will thin them out for you there” (v. 4, NIV). God was very specific with Gideon: “If I say, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go; but if I say, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go” (v. 4).

God removed the fearful soldiers from Gideon’s group, but He also removed the ones who drank conventionally (vv. 5-7). He knew Gideon needed those who would be open to new ideas and strategies. God could choose better men than Gideon would have.

Many churches have lost “soldiers” in ministry in one way or another, and while they may have been talented, good people, maybe God knew they weren’t who we needed in that season. How we do ministry will look different, and we must embrace the changes God asks us to make. His character never changes, but His methods continually do.

We must not run home like those who were afraid. Let us, like Gideon, embrace a smaller, but pure and chosen, army. Let’s not worry about preconceived ideas about ministry; let’s go with God, willing to fight with the weapons and strategies He gives us in this season.

Prayer + Reflection

  1. Ask God to open your heart to new ideas in ministry, and to make His desires for you clear.
  2. Pray that you would have the courage of Gideon and his men, who trusted God enough to go out against a huge army with unconventional weapons and strategies (Judg. 7:16-20).
  3. Thank the Lord for His vision, that He sees exactly what is needed and provides the right people and resources for each unique season in ministry.

Share your thoughts. See comments below, and add your own.

is the senior pastor of Window of Heaven (Sanger Foursquare Church) in Sanger, Calif.
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