“And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them” (Judges 8:4).
TEXT — Judges 8:1-4
Message
One of the factors that is known to be responsible for most of the abandoned projects and dreams of people is the lack of sheer determination. The path to success is filled with numerous setbacks that are bound to stop the irresolute from reaching his goals. Only those who are willing to have themselves stretched out of limits achieve great feats.
Gideon and his band of tired and fainting 300 soldiers in our text clearly exemplify staying power. After fighting a long battle with the Midianites, they were physially exhausted, without sleep or food. Yet, they kept on pursuing the enemy. They did not stop until they made sure every enemy was defeated and total victory was won.
So many people quit the battle of life midway before the ultimate victory is won. The reasons for this are many. The scope of the work could be overwhelming. The nature of the opposition could be intimidating. Some may get discouraged because of lack of adequate manpower and resources needed to get the work done. For others, it could be as a result of numerous dis- tractions and offers coming from the world. Others are satisfied with the little victories they have won. But quitting along the way will never guarantee total victory. Gideon teaches us the lesson on resilience, persistence and doggedness to accomplish set goals.
As common as the problem of fainting could be, there is cure. First, the Bible did not say the task will be easy (Matthew 10:16-18). Second, we should think of the implications of abandoning the work. The flock will be scattered, and our labour and investments be in vain. Lastly, we need to seek the help of the Lord constantly for renewal of strength (Isaiah 40:31).
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.