Athletes claim that fatigue can improve their performance. Getting tired during the contest moves them from reason to instinct. They accomplish things in their automatic output of energy they would not be able to do if they were figuring things out mentally.
"Faint, yet pursuing" is used to describe the condition of the three hundred men assigned by God to Gideon to fight Israel's battles for her. The enemy was being routed and put to flight. In order to capture them, Gideon's little army, hungry and tired as they were, had no choice but to continue pursuit.
Smelling victory and tasting success, they were highly motivated to carry on. They were willing to forego the usual eating and sleeping schedule in order to press the battle to the gates (Isa. 28:6). This is a message to intercessors as well as soul-winners.
There are times in our lives when we need Gideon's mentality. Sometimes we, too, are exhausted but still in pursuit with victory in sight, the enemy is on the run, and a few extra hours are needed to wrap things up.
This does not mean that we advocate a disregard for proper rest and nourishment. Many articles have been written about revivals that ended prematurely because the participants ignored the body's natural need for food and rest.
"Faint, yet pursuing" does reveal how the thrill of conquest, the assurance of victory, and the joy of knowing we are winning in the contest against our enemy will spur us on. This spiritual "second wind" is a priority item to the Christian.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers