Month: May 2025

Fewer Soldiers, Bigger God

When we think about gearing up for a battle—whether it’s a literal fight or just the challenge of getting through a tough day—we usually want to bring everything we’ve got. We like having the odds in our favor. But God’s way is very different.

In Judges 7, we meet Gideon, a man called by God to lead Israel against the Midianites. The enemy’s army was massive, like “a swarm of locusts” (Judges 7:12), while Gideon started with a modest force of 32,000 men. But then, God did something unexpected: He told Gideon there were too many soldiers. God didn’t want Israel to claim victory by their own strength. Instead, He wanted the glory to go to Him. So, God told Gideon to let anyone who was afraid go home. That left 10,000.

Still too many.

Then came another cut—this time based on how the men drank water. In the end, only 300 soldiers remained. Three hundred against an army too big to count. But with God, they had everything they needed. And sure enough, through clever strategy and God’s power, they won the battle without even lifting a sword in the initial clash.

So what does that mean for us?

Each day, we step into situations that feel too big. Maybe it’s a workload we don’t feel prepared for, a relationship that feels strained, or a decision we don’t know how to make. Like Gideon, we often wish we had more—more strength, more time, more resources. But sometimes, God allows our “army” to shrink so that we lean harder on Him. He’s not trying to set us up for failure; He’s reminding us that victory doesn’t come from our own strength. It comes from trusting Him.

2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Just like with Gideon, our weakness can be the perfect setting for God’s strength to shine.

When we start our day feeling under-resourced, we’re in the perfect place to say, “God, I can’t do this on my own—but I know You can.” That’s faith. That’s where growth happens.

Questions:

  1. What resonated with you most about today’s lesson?
  2. Have you ever felt like you didn’t have enough to face a challenge—but somehow got through it?
  3. Can you think of a time when something that seemed like a setback turned out to be a way God showed His power?
  4. What would it look like to trust God more fully in a current situation you’re facing?

When the Ground Feels Shaky: Trusting God in Uncertain Times

Uncertainty doesn’t sit well with most of us. Whether it’s the economy, professional related, or personal, unknowns can make us feel like the ground beneath us is shifting.

I bring this up because lately parts of the economy and daily life have felt less predictable than ever. More frequently in the past few weeks, I’ve heard friends say that they’ve had deals pause or get canceled. And I understand from my son that many of his friends are struggling to find their first job out of college. While these things can stir up anxiety, it can also do something else—it can drive us back to God.

And maybe that’s the point.

Scripture doesn’t promise us an easy or certain path. In fact, Jesus says in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” That’s not a dismissal of our fears; it’s a reminder that He sees us, knows our struggles, and offers us something steadier than any market: Himself.

When things are going smoothly, it’s easy to think we’re in control. But uncertain times remind us of a deeper truth—we were never meant to walk this life without leaning fully on God. Proverbs 3:5–6 tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” It’s a call to let go of our tight grip and place our confidence in His faithfulness, not in what we can predict or plan.

And while we’re trusting God with our own uncertainties, let’s not forget to look around. Someone near us might be carrying more than they’re letting on. A quiet word of encouragement, a listening ear, or even a simple check-in can go a long way. We were never meant to walk this journey alone—and sometimes, the way God shows up in uncertainty is through each other. Empathy doesn’t cost much, but it can be the very thing that helps someone else breathe a little easier today.

Uncertainty isn’t a punishment—it’s often an invitation. An invitation to pause. To reconnect. To remember that while we may not know what tomorrow brings, we do know the One who holds tomorrow.

Questions:

  1. Have you also experienced more uncertainty than usual recently – personally or those close to you?
  2. How do you usually respond to uncertainty—do you tend to worry, plan harder, or turn to God?
  3. Can you think of a time when looking back, you saw how God carried you through something uncertain?
  4. How can we support each other better as a group when we’re going through uncertain times?