It’s All Perspective! Judges 8:10

Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in
Kakor, and their armies with them,
about 15,000 men, all who were left
of the entire army of the sons of the
east; for the fallen were 120,000
swordsmen.
Judges 8:10

It’s a matter of perspective…

…I thought as I read verse 10. Zebah and Zalmunna are on the run, and take up residence in Kakor, along with 15,000 men. Let us recall that Gideon is staffed with 300 men, all whom where set apart for this assignment.

Gideon is leading his 300 troops against 15,000 troops, and while many would be overwhelmed with the ratio of 50 to 1, Gideon is more concerned with feeding the troops, than loosing the battle.

Though Zebah and Zalmunna felt vulnerable, and were in retreat, because of their prior victories, it is possible that they still felt a little rest and planning could turn the tides of the battle. Meanwhile, Gideon was in pursuit, moving from town to town in search of bread for his army. The Midionites were fed and rested, with 50 soldiers per 1 soldier waiting to defend themselves against the Israelite attack.

Favorable Numbers don’t Equal Favor

Though they had favorable numbers, they were not favored.

From the outside, Succoth and Peniel looked at the numbers and determined that Gideon was at a disadvantage, and that Zebah and Zalmunna should win. According to the odds, they should be favored. With these numbers, one would be a fool to choose the group of 300, when facing an army of 15,000, but as a believer, we must continue to trust God’s Word which says, if God be for us…! With God, all things are possible!!! This means, the odds are always with you, because God’s favor is with you!

Gideon is not focused on the Troop, He’s focused on God!

Gideon knows that God is for him! He is favored, and this makes a 50 to 1 ratio a non factor.

I wonder to myself what your non-factor in your life? What are you consumed with? What odds have you betting against yourself? What odds have you doubting what God can do? What has you retreating?

Gideon wasn’t retreating, he was pursuing!

I’m sure as he was going forward, he was thinking what odds! When you have God’s favor with you, you don’t have to flee, you can chase down the vision and dream that God has shown you. Not only can you walk towards what He has shown, you can lay claim to the desires of your heart. Yes, instead of chasing after possessions you can seek the Kingdom of God and righteousness, and you can have the victory hand delivered to you!

When you realize God is for you and with you, you will pursue the 15,000. Too many of us remain in neutral, afraid to switch into drive, and more comfortable living in reverse! When we choose to pursue, we opt not to walk in victory, and concede defeat.

Victory will be Yours, when You know it belongs to You!

You are victorious!!!! You will win!! You have already won!!!!

Remember, it’s all Perspective!

Verse 10 informs us that their army was once 120,000 men!

Yes; 120,000 swordsmen, which has been reduced to 15,000!

120,000–105,000 = 15,000

It’s all a matter of perspective! As opposed to thinking, “we have 15,000 soldiers to fight”, he was most likely thinking, “only 15,000 soldiers remain.” Gideon realized over half of the soldiers had already met the same fate that was in store for the remaining 15,000. Thought know one else believed, and was playing the odds, Gideon had already put all his chips (faith and trust) on God, and was trusting him not just for another fleece sign, but stepped out on it and was ready to blow the trumpets again.

What’s your perspective? Oh, you are still looking at the remaining barriers as though they can stop you? You are still looking at the next challenge as a preventative force? The obstacles you will face or just details for the testimony. Gideon had to lift up his head, and thank God for handling the 105,000, and praise God that only 15,000 remained. Though the odds were 50 to 1, they could be 400 to 1.

Each time Gideon presses Forward, the Odds get Better!

We must know that each step brings us closer to victory! So the question is, will you continue taking steps forward? Will you pursue until you are victorious, or will you retreat each time you face tough odds.

#PastorJDO3