Many battles in the history of the world have been fought where one side was greatly outnumbered, like in the Battle of Muret in 1213 A. D.  The odds were 25:1 against the knights of France who waged a crusade against their French and Spanish neighbors who were considered to be heretics for worshipping God improperly.  The heretics joined forces with the king of Aragon to number over 30,000 against 900 French knights and 700 infantry.  They attacked the city of Muret, but the knights had a plan and ended up defeating their attackers, causing nearly 20,000 casualties.

        “Words from Above” in the Bible tell us of an army of 135,000 made up of Midianites and Amalekites attacking the nation of Israel.  God called a man named Gideon to launch a counterattack, but only 32,000 showed up to defend Israel.  God then told Gideon to send anyone home who was afraid to go into battle, and 22,000 gladly left.  Then God told Gideon to take those who were left to a nearby stream for a drink of water, and instructed Gideon to keep those who scooped up water in one hand while holding their sword with the other hand.  This included only 300 men, so this resulted in the Israelites being outnumbered 450:1 because the rest of the army were sent home.

        God then instructed Gideon’s army of 300 be divided into three groups and that they surround the enemy camp at night while they were sleeping.  Gideon’s army were each armed with only a bugle and a lit torch concealed inside a clay pitcher.  When a signal was given, they broke their pitchers and held their torches high in the air, blowing their trumpets and yelling, “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon”.  The enemy awoke to the sound of noise, the lights from the torches, and the army of Gideon moving toward them from three directions.  They enemy was totally confused, and in their panic, they began to kill one another, while Gideon’s army stood and watched in disbelief.  They came to realize that God was on their side and it was God who gave them a great victory that night.

        All believers face many battles throughout their lifetimes, some great and some small, but we can all learn from Gideon and his army that nothing is impossible with God.  Gideon put his faith in God and followed His every instruction, and God gave him and his army a great victory.  The Bible says God is no respecter of persons, so he can do the very same thing for us.  We simply need to put our faith in Him and follow His instructions.

Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church on Miller Road in Smithville.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  For informa-tion, you may email lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com.