Bloodless Warfare

God's Urgent Call
Called to Be Strong

Gideon's Call

Judges 7:19-23. The Message

19-22 Gideon and his hundred men got to the edge of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after the sentries had been posted. They blew the trumpets, at the same time smashing the jars they carried. All three companies blew the trumpets and broke the jars. They held the torches in their left hands and the trumpets in their right hands, ready to blow, and shouted, “A sword for God and for Gideon!” They were stationed all around the camp, each man at his post. The whole Midianite camp jumped to its feet. They yelled and fled. When the three hundred blew the trumpets, God aimed each Midianite’s sword against his companion, all over the camp. They ran for their lives—to Beth Shittah, toward Zererah, to the border of Abel Meholah near Tabbath.
23 Israelites rallied from Naphtali, from Asher, and from all over Manasseh. They had Midian on the run.

For Reflection

In spite of Gideon's prayer for vengeance and the destruction of the enemy, God arranges a bloodless battle. Outnumbered, surrounding the enemy, and striking at night, Gideon's army's surprise attack sent the Midianites fleeing in fright.  Are we creative enough to avoid bloodshed?  Are we creative enough to devise alternative solutions to defuse confrontations?  Are we courageous enough to trust in God and try?

Pray

Pray for the wisdom to discover creative rather than destructive solutions to everyday problems.  Pray for the courage to face your enemies with determination and the fear of theLord.