Under Gods Command
Gideon

Judges 8:4-9 Gideon and his three hundred men, exhausted yet keeping up the pursuit, came to the Jordan and crossed it.  He said to the men of Succoth,  “Give my troops some bread; they are worn out, and I am still pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.” But the officials of Succoth said, “Do you already have the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna in your possession?  Whey should we give bread to your troops?”  Then Gideon replied, “Just for that, when the LORD has given Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, I will tear your flesh with desert thorns and briers.”  From there he went up to Peniel and made the same request of them, but they answered as the men of Succoth had.  So he said to the men of Peniel, “When I return in triumph, I will tear down this tower.”

The leaders of Succoth and Peniel refused to help Gideon, probably fearing Midian’s revenge should he fail (Gideon’s army was 300 men chasing 15,000).  They should have realized that victory was certain because God was with Gideon.  But they were so worried about saving themselves that they never thought about God’s power to save.

Lets bring it home: Because of fear for ourselves, we may not recognize God’s presence in other people and therefore miss God’s victory.  Then we must face the often bitter consequences of failing to join forces with those God has chosen to do his work.  Because God will prevail with or without you, be quick to join others who are engaged in his work.  Lend support with your time, money, talents, and prayer.

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