Crying Out to God for Victories

In the days of Gideon, things had gone from bad to worse. Many had turned from good to evil. Many were living in dens (crevices in rocks), caves and strongholds (hand-built forts). This was due to constant attacks from enemies. Besides this, whenever they planted crops, enemies destroyed the produce. Gideon’s people were living in poverty. They began CRYING OUT to GOD. [1]

CRYING OUT to GOD proceeds many victories in the Bible. CRYING OUT is different than going through the motions of prayer. People can mumble prayers they have always prayed as matter of duty when they don’t sense a need for God, but when they are desperate, they CRY OUT to Him. “God help us!” “We need You!” “Please rescue us!”

Evil had multiplied in Gideon’s community! They were up against overwhelming odds. Their once comfortable normal no longer existed. They had no answers. They were so used to depending on their own ways but now their own ways no longer worked. They needed a miracle!

In answer to their CRIES, the Lord sent them a prophet. The prophet reminded them of the Bible. Yes, the Bible! That book is full of miraculous stories. For example, how God rescued slaves from their oppressors, and caused them to inherit land. God indicted them: “You have not obeyed My voice.” [2]

God works miracles as we rely on Him. Let us CRY OUT to Him as though our lives depend on Him because our lives do depend on Him.

To prove to Gideon’s people that He is God, God allowed one crisis after another to overtake them. Would they CRY OUT to God or would they continue to try to manage things in their own strength and wisdom. Thankfully, they CRIED OUT to God and God raised up an unlikely person to lead them to victory. His name was Gideon. [3]

Gideon was from the weakest group of people in his nation. He was the weakest member in his family. God told Gideon that He would be with him and use his life to rally his people to victory. At first, Gideon did not believe God. He asked God to provide him some miraculous signs to boost his flagging confidence. God did the miracles and Gideon was convinced. [4]

The Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon. He blew the rallying trumpet. 32,000 people joined him. What a relief! But wait! God told Gideon to release those who were struggling with fear. God wanted Gideon and his followers to know for certain that faith in God is what turns the tide in battles. 22,000 people departed from Gideon. After that, the Lord reduced Gideon’s army from 10,000 to 300. God helped Gideon and his three hundred to overcome a vast army. After this faith-in-God victory, Gideon’s people enjoyed peace and quiet for 40 years. [5]

“Heavenly Father, we CRY OUT to You for victory. We need You. We want miracles! Please rally people to join us in CRYING OUT to You, and in trusting You for victories as we seek to spread Your Gospel and make disciples. we pray this, in Name of Jesus Christ, Your Son. Amen.”

[1] Judges 6:1-6
[2] Judges 6:7-10
[3] Judges 6:13-14
[4] Judges 6:15-22
[5] Judges 6:34-35; 7:1-8:28