War Stories
"You will hear of wars
and rumors of wars, but do not be alarmed." (Matthew
24:6)
When I was a young girl my father and my brother liked to
watch war movies. I hated them. I cringed at the bloodshed
and violence. My uncles and others would sit around the
kitchen table and discuss their war stories. This was not
for me. I still do not like the thought of war. Jesus tells
us that war is inevitable. When I get distressed over the
rumors or the reality of war myself, I read a few of my
favorite war stories from the Bible. I like the one about
Gideon's army best.
In Judges chapter seven, Gideon was called to battle against
the Midianites. He was concerned how to win this battle. He
prayed to God and listened for His direction.
The first thing God instructed Gideon, was to decrease the
number of men in His army. God wanted them to know that He
would be the reason for their victory. He did this by first
weeding out the men who were fearful and trembling. For
Israel was fearful of war, too. God did not want this panic
to spread to the other soldiers. These men were discharged
from battle. This eliminated 22,000 men. Gideon's army was
now down to 10,000 men.
Next God had Gideon test the men who were left, by taking
them to the water. Some men knelt by the water to take a
drink. Others drank while standing on their feet, as they
took a drink from the water they cupped in their hands. God
informed Gideon to choose the men who stood on their feet,
prepared for battle. Gideon's army now consisted of 300
courageous and wise men. With these three hundred soldiers
God lead Gideon's army and they won the battle.
As we listen to the rumors and the call to war, like Gideon,
we too, must turn to the direction and protection of our
God. It is important that we pray for our world leaders and
those making the decisions that God would speak to their
hearts. And we must do our best to conquer our own fear
regarding war stories. When we feel fearful and helpless, we
must remember prayer is the spiritual way to win the battle.
Annettee Budzban