A Ninety Percent Chance of Rain ?
The Lord answered Gideon and said, “I will be with you, so you can defeat the Midianites as easily as if they were only one man.” Judges 6:16 ERV
Then the Lord said to Gideon, “There are still too many men…” Judges 7:4 ERV
The Lord said to Gideon, “I will use the 300 men…” Judges 7:7 ERV
Then Gideon divided the 300 men into three groups. He gave each man a trumpet and an empty jar with a burning torch inside it. Judges 7:16 ERV
Then Gideon divided the 300 men into three groups. He gave each man a trumpet and an empty jar with a burning torch inside it. Then Gideon told the men, “Watch me and do what I do. Follow me to the edge of the enemy camp. When I get to the edge of the camp, do exactly what I do. You men surround the enemy camp. I and all the men with me will blow our trumpets. When we blow our trumpets, you blow your trumpets too. Then shout these words: ‘For the Lord and for Gideon!’”
So Gideon and the 100 men with him went to the edge of the enemy camp. They came there just after the enemy changed guards. It was during the middle watch of the night. Gideon and his men blew their trumpets and smashed their jars. Then all three groups of Gideon’s men blew their trumpets and smashed their jars. The men held the torches in their left hands and the trumpets in their right hands. As they blew their trumpets, they shouted, “A sword for the Lord and a sword for Gideon!”
Gideon’s men stayed where they were. But inside the camp, the men of Midian began shouting and running away. When Gideon’s 300 men blew their trumpets, the Lord caused the men of Midian to kill each other with their swords. The enemy army ran away…. Judges 7:16 - 22 ERV
(The full account of Gideon can be found in Judges Chapters 6, 7, and 8.)
What does a ninety percent chance of rain have to do with Gideon?
Please, let me explain.
Our daughter was to be wed. As with any bride, there is a longing for every detail to fall perfectly in to place. On this particular wedding day the weather held great importance for it was to be an outdoor ceremony. As the wedding drew closer, my daughter shared a continuous report of the weather…the final report reading a 90% chance of rain. In response, I meagerly stated, “What about the ten percent?” A decision needed to be made. Was the wedding to be held inside or outdoors? As my daughter continued to track the gloomy sky, she decided to go with the ten percent option and hold the wedding outside.
Throughout the process, as we envisioned a 10% chance of no rain, the Lord brought to mind the account of Gideon regarding the numbers. The numbers did not dictate Gideon’s outcome. It was the “God Factor” that ushered in the victory. And so it was upon my daughter’s wedding day. As the ceremony proceeded, the clouds opened; however, not to rain, but to a glorious presentation of sunshine and blue skies.
Be encouraged! Though the circumstances say differently, know that the Son is about to break through no matter what percent is against you.
May your faith continue to multiply, my friend, as you apply the God factor.
Prayer
Father,
I admit that I find the odds against me to be intimidating… ninety… even 100% at times. In all honesty, it seems that my prayers should have been answered by now. I confess my doubt and frustration. I have grown weak in facing the foe. Please forgive me, Lord. I have not considered the “God Factor” within my circumstances…until today!
I acknowledge that the Lord is with me, just as the Lord was with Gideon.
( And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.” Judges 6:12 ESV)
Help me to see myself as You see me. Help me in my unbelief.
Within this moment, I choose to believe that the Captain of the Host is with me!
My circumstances are difficult. Like a cloud, situations hover over me, threatening my faith. The threat is real, but You God are greater! I cry out to You, “ Holy Spirit reign within this impending storm!”
Determined, I take hold of the God Factor, and apply it to my circumstances. Through the power of Your presence, I relinquish my every doubt 100%.
May the Son fill my heart with hope as my faith is multiplied through the powerful presence of God.
Yes, just like the struggle before Gideon, my God will show Himself strong against all odds, the enemy army will run away, and the Son will shine!
Amen
“A sword for the Lord and a sword for Gideon!”
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