An Example of both prayer and prudence is Gideon. What a faith Gideon had! In just a very brief time, Gideon's faith had grown well beyond expectation! Grown from a weak, wavering faith to an astounding faith.
Judges 7 gives us the account of how he had an army of 32,000 and was to go against an army of 135,000. 22,000 of his men left out of fear leaving 10,000. Out of that 10,000 God gave Gideon instructions on how to pick the final amount to fight. It was a matter of trust to go against 135,000 trained soldiers.
The soldiers were to gather at the creek and refresh themselves. Gideon was to separate those who cupped water with their hands and lapped the water like a dog from those who knelt and drank with their mouths in the stream. He was to choose the ones who cupped the water. 300 hundred men cupped the water with their hands and 9700 knelt down on their knees and drank. So, you got it, 9700 soldiers were sent away and kept the 300 hundred who cupped.
This particular way of cupping could indicate that they were more alert and ready for the conflict by staying on their feet and being able to keep watch while drinking. Remember, the enemy was camped only four miles away and were bound to have spies set around keeping an eye on the Israelite army.
The reason for the decrease was to glorify God in their victory. Just imagine, 300 men standing against an army of 135,000 trained soldiers.
This is the faith God wants us to have in Him: Strong faith! Absolute trust! Believing the impossible! And refusing to be moved by doubt or question! We must depend on God to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Trust in the Lord with all our heart, soul, and body! Live for Him knowing that He is in control!
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