A Prayer for Small Miracles
By Greg Laurie
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” - Hebrews 13:7
The Israelites lived in fear of their enemies the Midianites. The Midianites had numbers so large, they were described in the Bible as being “as numerous as locusts” (Judges 6:5). They were everywhere, and the children of Israel were greatly outnumbered.
They needed to defeat the Midianites, but they needed someone to lead them. So God found a man named Gideon. When we’re first introduced to Gideon in Judges 6, he was hiding from his enemies, threshing wheat. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and said, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!” (verse 12).
I can imagine Gideon looking around and saying, “Who? Are you talking to me?” If there was anything Gideon was not at that moment, it was a mighty man of valor. But through a series of events in Gideon’s life, he was transformed and became a man of great courage. He summoned the people to go into battle against the Midianites.
Then the Lord came to Gideon one day and delivered a message that I’m sure he wasn’t pleased to hear: his army was too big. Maybe Gideon said, “You’re joking! I love it when you joke, Lord! Too big! We’re already outnumbered, and we’re too big!”
But God wasn’t kidding. He didn’t want anyone to say they defeated the Midianites in their own strength. So He gave Gideon a test for the men that would thin out the ranks. In the end, Gideon was left with 300 men. And with 300 men God defeated the Midianites.
You see, our numbers don’t have to be large. God can do a lot with a little. And God can use little people to do big things. You are never too small for God to use, but you can be too big.
Heavenly Father, there are days when we don’t know what to do. When all direction seems to lead us nowhere. We ask that you guide us in these difficult times. Help us to rise up as courageous leaders. Give us the strength and wisdom to accomplish your will and to stand firm upon your commands. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
*Editor’s Note: The following is an abridged version of An Unlikely Leader by Greg Laurie. To read the full devotional, follow this link.
Related Resource: Getting Real with God: Prayer Without the Performance
Author Addison Bevere joins Arlene on The Happy Home Podcast to talk about what honest, unperformative prayer actually looks like — for you and your kids. He shares why humility is a parenting superpower, how to guide children toward "second innocence," and why your morning routine might be the most spiritually significant part of your day. Join us for a truly wisdom-filled conversation about prayer and Addison's new book, Words with God. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow The Happy Home Podcast with Arlene Pellicane on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Wednesday, 13 May 2020.
SHARE
