S) "6 The leaders of Succoth said, 'Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your hands, that we should give bread to your army?' 7 Gideon said, 'All right, when the Lord has given Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, then I will thrash your bodies with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers.'"
Judges 8:6-7 (NASB)
O) They say history books are written by the victors. That's somewhat true, but also pessimistic. It is a severe lack of faith, to want God to show a victory before we'll submit to Him. We see it a lot, though. People want God to prove His meddle, despite the fact that His worthiness is written all over the Bible (or in this case, the Torah - Israel's history).
A) There is a fair amount of irony that Gideon is upset at their test, considering his fleecing experience in Judges 6. First, then, I suppose I need to be mindful of when I am holding against people, the things for which I am also guilty. That is plain old hypocrisy. Second, I need to believe in God's victory before I witness it myself, since He has already proven Himself mighty, faithful, and gracious. The Bible, and my own life, are all of the testimony I should ever need to believe in His deliverance and victory.
P) Father, forgive my unbelief. Please continue to change me, to remove all hypocrisy, and to be gracious with others - especially for the same things that give me trouble. Open my eyes and ears, to know the things You have planned for me, the battles and victories that You have already fought. Thank You for all of the pure grace and provision and victory You have given me. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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