The Midianites had been cruel to the Israelites, destroying their crops, their homes, their families. In fact, the Israelites were so afraid of the Midianites that they fled to the mountains and hid in caves.
Yet, when Gideon was preparing to attack thousands upon thousands of Midianites, God spoke some specific instructions: “You have too many warriors with you” (Judges 7:2a).
What? Too many warriors? Why does that matter?
“If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own,” (7.2b) God explained.
God gave Gideon one basic command: “Trust me.” He was asking Gideon not to fight as he would naturally; rather, he was calling him to a supernatural battle–a battle fought by God, not by man.
After a couple of God-ordained tests, Gideon’s army, which started out as 32,000 soldiers, stood at 300 men. Though his physical army seemed small, his heavenly army more than made up the difference.
With a trumpet in one hand and a glass jar in the other, Gideon’s army of 300 surrounded the Midianite camp.
What? Glass jars and trumpets? Where were the swords and armor? Where were the archers to fire arrows into the camp? The chariots and horses to trample the enemy?
Again, God had other plans. He had selected Gideon and his small band of warriors as instruments to bring forth a supernatural victory–a victory for which only God could get the credit.
I have learned that my battle with fear and panic is similar in many ways. I can gather an army of psychiatrists, psychologists, medication, meditation, self-help books, support groups, breathing techniques, relaxation tapes and more. I might amass enough resources to beat this thing. But who gets the credit?
I believe God desires to instruct each person on which resources he wants to use in your battle. Maybe it’s medication or a good counselor, or maybe it’s a combination of both. Maybe it’s something odd like glass jars and trumpets. Maybe God wants you to fight this battle alone. Whatever God instructs you to do, do it. After all, this is his battle.
Each one of the resources I listed are powerful tools for healing and recovery when God works through them. However, you can’t place your trust in your resources–your personal army against anxiety. Call upon God for guidance. Let him show you what he wants you to do.
Prayer: Father, show me which “weapons,” if any, you would have me carry. I praise you for past and future victories, because I know that only through your Son will I win this battle.
