Why Does God Allow so Many Setbacks
It is my nature to think that I have it under control. I can do it. God wants it clearly shown that it is His power. He refuses to allow Gideon to in any way take credit for what He does
Humans so desperately want to be in control of their destinies. We want and expect that we can control what happens or repair whatever messes up. The story of Gideon teaches us a different lesson.
Gideon was finally ready to go and fight the enemy in the name of God. He had finally screwed up his faith and courage. It had been a long-fought battle just to get to this point.
Now God says to Gideon that he has too many soldiers. Judges 7:2. God reduces the size of Gideon’s army to make it clear that God alone worked the victory. God reduces the army from over 30,000 to 300. Then, God’s battle plan is that they will use the most unconventional battle strategy. Why does God go to such extremes?
The believer’s story is about God’s desire for glory. Humans want to exalt themselves. God wants His power to be magnified. Man wants to live with pride and self-reliance. God wants us to learn that genuine victory belongs to Him alone.
God doesn’t do things the way we want. The path of faith and obedience takes us along paths less traveled. Only 300 men armed with trumpets and torches defy military logic but show the power of God.
God calls on His children to depend on Him. We must humble ourselves, surrender our ambitions and aspirations, and yield to His perfect will. I needed this today as I read the Scriptures. I hurt. I want certain things done. God is in charge, not me.
We live in a world of adversity and uncertainty, so we need to remember and be reminded that God is constantly working. In our greatest trials and tribulations, He has promised never to leave us. We remember that the battle is not ours, but God’s II Chronicles 20:15. We find victory and redemption in the Lord Jesus and no other.
Poem I wrote using AI
How will you handle the adversity?
In life's grand stage, where shadows play,
The script's unwritten, day by day.
For 10% is what we face,
While 90% is our chosen pace.
When storms assail and winds may roar,
And troubles knock upon our door,
It's not the woes that define our plight,
But how we choose to stand and fight.
No victim's cloak shall shroud our soul,
Nor whining cries shall take control.
For in the face of trials we see,
The strength within, the will to be.
With every challenge, every test,
We rise above, we do our best.
For in the crucible of fate,
Our character shall resonate.
So let us not lament or pine,
But seize the day, let our light shine.
For in the realm of destiny,
Our response shapes our legacy.
In the equation of life's sum,
We hold the power, we overcome.
For 10% is what we endure,
But 90% is our response, for sure.