Yahweh said to Gideon, "The people who are with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel brag against me, saying, 'My own hand has saved me.' Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, 'Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return and depart from Mount Gilead.' " So twenty-two thousand of the people returned, and ten thousand remained. Yahweh said to Gideon, "There are still too many people. Bring them down to the water, and I will test them for you there." Judges 7:2-4 WEB.

Gideon began with an army of thirty-two thousand men, but by the time the battle started, that number was down to three-hundred. God Himself intentionally took Gideon's reinforcements away and separated them from him. Gideon was not abandoned by the Lord, for it was the will of God for this to happen. In fact, it was God's plan all along.

We like to bring as large an army as possible, but God prefers to be outnumbered. He likes it that way. In His army, quality is much better than quantity. That was the case of small David defeating giant Goliath. It was the same with Moses, Elijah, Jeremiah, Jonah, Daniel, Paul, and many others. God only needed one who was faithful to bring victory.

When the enemy comes in like a flood, God will cause His person to stand through it, and everyone looking on will have to say, "This is the work of God." When God saves you from an impossible situation, you will remember that. But when it is all easy and effortless, where is the challenge in that?

So you may set out to do something with a terrific group of people and then find that it is just you and a handful left. It's probably not an accident. God has plans to make you shine, and He placed the ones around you that need to be there, then removed the rest. You will come through this, and everyone will know that the Lord is with you. All you have to do is keep pressing forward into what He has given you to do, and you will be successful.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You so much for all You do for me. Thank You for accepting me just as I am, and please help me become the best version of myself. Please put those around me that need to be there and remove the ones that should not be. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: Happy Thanksgiving, everyone :)! We are truly grateful for all of you, and pray that your day is filled with joy. Praying for all those who may be struggling during this season, for God's comfort and peace. Also, ladies, today is Thankful Thursday at the "Ladies in Distress" group (our RHM women's group)! You are welcome to join in our weekly sharing of thankfulness for the Lord's presence and any blessings you may have experienced, big or small! "Ladies in Distress" is a private group, so if you have any problems joining, just post anywhere and we will help you :). Here is the link: Ladies in Distress

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