Encouragement for Your Week: July 20-26
This Week’s Verse
The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, ‘My own strength has saved me.’”
– Judges 7:2 NIV
Devotion
God chose Gideon to fight the Midianites, who were getting ready to invade and destroy Israel. The Midianite army had about 135,000 soldiers, while Gideon started with only 32,000 men. Gideon probably thought he was already at a disadvantage, but God told him he actually had too many soldiers. God wanted the Israelites to know that it was He who would rescue them—not their own power. So God instructed Gideon to shrink his army down to just 300 men.
Human nature often makes us want to take credit for our own success. Instead of thanking God, we praise ourselves for what we achieve. Because of this tendency toward pride, God reminds us that He is the one who gives us strength and victory. The prophet Isaiah pointed this out by asking, “Does the axe raise itself above the person who swings it?” (Isaiah 10:15). This question shows how ridiculous it is for us to think we can succeed on our own, since all power comes from God.
Even when we call out to God for help, we can still be tempted to believe we saved ourselves when things work out. That’s why God sometimes acts in ways that make it very clear He alone deserves the credit—like when He gave victory to Gideon’s tiny army against impossible odds. Their 300 men defeated 135,000 enemies, proving that God was the one who saved Israel.
When you cry out to God for help, remember that He may answer you in a way that makes it obvious He did it. This helps keep our pride in check and reminds us to give Him the glory.
This Week’s Challenge
Look at an area in your life where you’re asking God for help—whether it’s school, work, relationships, or a personal struggle. Each day this week, take a moment to thank God before you see the outcome, and ask Him to help you recognize His hand in the victory rather than taking the credit for yourself.