JANUARY 20, 2010

FINISH THE TASK

Scripture Reading--Judges 7:7-22

"So Gideon, and the hundred men...blew the trumpets,

and brake the pitchers that were in their hands.

And the companies...cried,

The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon" ( vv. 19-20 ).

Gideon defeated Israel's enemy with 300 soldiers and an unusual plan. God instructed Gideon and his band to take trumpets and lamps and to surround the Midianites, who were camping in the valley. As darkness fell, Israel surrounded the camp. When Gideon blew his trumpet, his companions blew their trumpets. Gideon lit his lamp, and the others did likewise. When the Midianites heard 300 trumpets and saw 300 lights, they thought they were surrounded by a huge army. God's hand turned against the Midianites, and they started killing each other. Gideon and his men blew the trumpets and held up the lamps. God took care of the rest.

A handful of Midianites managed to escape from the field of slaughter. "And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them" ( Judg. 8:4 ). By following God's plan, Gideon didn't lose a single man! The Lord gave Gideon a job, and he was determined to complete it. Though he and his men were exhausted, they chased the few remaining Midianites. These loyal men were "faint" yet still pursuing.

Persistence is a key ingredient to success. We measure a man's character not by wealth or achievement but by what discourages him. Those who make strides in life are the ones who persevere. Hurdles don't stop them; hindrances don't dishearten them. Regardless of circumstances they press on! The Book of Proverbs says if we "faint in the day of adversity...[ our ] strength is small" ( 23:10). It's important to see the job through to the end.

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not: ( Gal. 6:9 ).

CITE BIBLE EXAMPLES: List Bible characters whom God rewarded because they persevered. What obstacles did they overcome?

--Harold Vaughan--

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN " 1 " YEAR: Job 14-17