The Lord told Gideon to sneak over to the Midianites’ camp and listen to what they were saying.
The man said, ‘I had this dream, and in my dream a loaf of barley bread came tumbling down into the Midianite camp. It hit a tent, turned it over, and knocked it flat!’ His companion answered, ‘Your dream can mean only one thing—God has given Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite, victory over Midian and all its allies!’
(Judges 7:13,14 NLT)
The information Gideon received from this scouting trip encouraged him to immediately return to camp and prepare his men for battle. However, this wouldn’t be a typical battle using conventional weapons. Gideon’s army consisted of only 300 men armed with clay pots and horns!
Who ever heard of soldiers using clay pots and horns to fight against a mob of terrorists? But the battles fought by God’s people are “…not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord” (Zechariah 4:6). We do not wage war as mere humans, we use God’s mighty weapons (see 2 Corinthians 10:3,4).
God used what little strength these 300 men possessed and some harmless clay lanterns and horns to cause the enemy forces to fight against one another. Those who were not killed fled for their lives.
Clearly God isn’t looking for super strength, a multitude of people, or the perfect weapon to fulfill His purposes. He is looking for individuals like you and me who are willing to do whatever He asks despite our weaknesses—knowing that our weaknesses only gives the Anointed One an opportunity to work through us (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Remember, Jesus said that without Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). That is sometimes difficult to comprehend when we have the natural ability to accomplish a certain goal. Perhaps that’s why God often gives us assignments that we cannot fulfill unless we tap into His unlimited resources. That’s also why Paul prayed that God would grant us an infusion of mighty inner strength from His infinite resources by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16 BCJ).
God’s power will be activated in our lives when we say what He says about ourselves instead of saying what we have or can do in the natural. So the next time we lack the needed strength to complete an assignment the Lord has given us, keep in mind that He is only able to bless what we do (Deuteronomy 28:8).
Give God something to work with by declaring, “…Let the weak say, I am strong” (Joel 3:10)! Then we must begin to do whatever we can to move toward that goal, and God will bless all that we set our hand to. As we step out in obedience and trust, we will rise up in His strength, defeating the enemies that have tormented us for so long.
Remember, it’s all about perspective. Our part is to renew our minds with God’s Word so we can begin to see ourselves through His eyes. Then we’ll come to realize that, no matter what challenge we face or how big the assignment God gives us, we are a mighty man or woman of valor, strengthened with His power and well able to complete the task!
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Vikki and Dennis began as youth pastors in 1973 in Southern California where they received tremendous insight into the work of the local church. In 1976, they moved to Ft. Worth, Texas, to work with Kenneth Copeland Ministries. Vikki worked with KCM for three years before entering full-time ministry with her husband. Since that time, their relationship and involvement with Kenneth Copeland Ministries has continued. Vikki and Dennis have had numerous articles published in the Believer's Voice of Victory magazine.
Vikki has spoken in several nations including Australia, Japan, and Canada. She has ministered on television, radio, in women's conferences and marriage seminars. Her desire is to see people raised to a higher level of living through the Word of God. By acting on Gods principles, Vikki has obtained a testimony of victory and imparts encouragement to others.
Throughout the years, Vikki and Dennis have pursued new avenues of reaching people. The Lord has continued to expand their vision. Their dedication has affected thousands as they are impacting God's people with the love of God.