Few military upsets are more astonishing than the one God accomplishes through Gideon. Outnumbered 450 to 1, Gideon's army crushes the powerful hosts of Midian (Judges 7:22). But first, God has to teach Gideon and his army the value of radical dependence on Him.

The Midianites had deployed a force of 135,000 in the Valley of Jezreel, while across the plain, Gideon's men huddled behind the appropriately-named ″spring of trembling (Harod)″, their major water supply (v. 1). To drink, a man had to go down in full view of the enemy, and he would be reminded of how imposing the mission was. Gideon's men, numbering 32,000, had no successful experience of warfare and virtually no weapons. Imagine his feelings: ″We don't have a chance. There simply aren't enough of us!″ But the Lord says, ″Gideon, you have too many people. We need to cut down on your numbers″ (v. 2, paraphrased).

This is a fundamental spiritual principle. God is not interested simply in giving us victory and prosperity; He is concerned with teaching us trust. In fact, if our victories make us self-reliant, they will become more dangerous. That is why He demands a troop reduction-that Israel may not boast against God that her own strength has saved her (v. 2, see 2 Chronicles 26:15-16).

We cannot be too small for God to use, but we can be too big. If we want to take credit for what God is doing, God will not use us. This is why we see God working in a powerful way in the lives of weak and inadequate people. Our greatest need is not to believe that we can do it, but that our God can. Do you feel insignificant? Are you discouraged because you have no prominent gifts? Praise God! You are just the kind of person God delights to use.

God's tests to reduce Gideon's army (vv. 3, 5) also reveal what He looks for in the people He uses.

The first tests fearlessness (v. 3). God promises His presence and power, but if our fear persists, He will not force us to fight. In fact, He removes us, because fear is contagious. It focuses on the problem, not on God.

The second tests vigilance (v. 5). The men's manner of drinking reveals their attitude to the enemy. The majority fall flat on their faces and drink; for the moment, they forget all about Midian. But 300 men kneel, probably holding their spears in one hand while scooping water with the other. They will not take their eyes off the enemy; they will not forget their central purpose.

God is not looking for great Christians, but for fervent, wholehearted believers who want their lives to count for Him.