“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but do not be alarmed.” (Matthew 24:6)
When I was a young girl my father and my brother liked to watch war movies. I hated them. I cringed at the bloodshed and violence. My uncles and others would sit around the kitchen table and discuss their war stories. This was not for me. I still do not like the thought of war. Jesus tells us that war is inevitable. When I get distressed over the rumors or the reality of war myself, I read a few of my favorite war stories from the Bible. I like the one about Gideon’s army best.
In Judges chapter seven, Gideon was called to battle against the Midianites. He was concerned how to win this battle. He prayed to God and listened for His direction.
The first thing God instructed Gideon, was to decrease the number of men in His army. God wanted them to know that He would be the reason for their victory. He did this by first weeding out the men who were fearful and trembling. For Israel was fearful of war, too. God did not want this panic to spread to the other soldiers. These men were discharged from battle. This eliminated 22,000 men. Gideon’s army was now down to 10,000 men.
Next God had Gideon test the men who were left, by taking them to the water. Some men knelt by the water to take a drink. Others drank while standing on their feet, as they took a drink from the water they cupped in their hands. God informed Gideon to choose the men who stood on their feet, prepared for battle. Gideon’s army now consisted of 300 courageous and wise men. With these three hundred soldiers God lead Gideon’s army and they won the battle.
As we listen to the rumors and the call to war, like Gideon, we too, must turn to the direction and protection of our God. It is important that we pray for our world leaders and those making the decisions that God would speak to their hearts. And we must do our best to conquer our own fear regarding war stories. When we feel fearful and helpless, we must remember prayer is the spiritual way to win the battle.
Annettee Budzban