Faint, Yet Pursuing

And Gideon came to the Jordan and passed over; he and the three hundred men who were with him, faint yet pursuing. (Judges 8:4).

Judges 8:1-12; Job 17:9; Acts 20:20-24, I Cor. 15:58; Gal. 6:9

What Is God Saying?

Joshua had conquered Canaan. Under remarkable circumstances, he crossed the Jordan. The walls of Jericho fell with his faith and with weapons no more lethal than the sound of marching feet and the blowing of trumpets. But the conquest Joshua had begun was not complete. Amid the turbulence, God called upon Gideon to resist the attacks of the Midianites. Mounted on swift-moving camels, they struck quickly and left great devastation. Initially reluctant, Gideon became a leader, "faint, yet pursuing.”

How Does This Apply To Us?

The same God who gave Gideon courage when he wanted out can provide us with the will to go forward. We can tire in battle, but God will give us the strength to continue. We can claim Moses' blessing to Asher as our own (Deut. 33:25). If God brings us to another day, He will give us the strength to live through that day. "The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? Wait for the Lord, be strong, and let your heart take courage" (Ps. 27:1, 14). We may faint, but God does not. We can pursue, run the race, and finish the course in His strength.

Pray With Me

Lord, You were the Strength of Gideon. You are the strength of all who dare to believe and obey. Give me the heart of Gideon that even when I am faint, I will still pursue. "My strength is made perfect in weakness"-this is Your word. The battle is much with God. Faintness is not a good reason for turning back.

I thank You when my hand is strong, and the way is easy, but Lord, I pray for the other and greater blessing. When, with Gideon, I am called to do Your will though my body is tired and my heart is heavy, let not faintness of spirit stop me. "Faithful is He who calls you, who will also do it." Let this come to pass in Your time, in Your strength, and for Your glory. So let it be.

In the name of Him who pursued my redemption even when faint with the burden of Calvary. Amen.

Moving On In The Life Of Prayer

There is no better cure for a faint spirit than prayer. Prayer means "waiting on the Lord," and waiting on the Lord is the secret of renewed strength. The odds against us can be overwhelming, but the God who is with us is infinitely stronger. We claim His strength when we pray.