Charles Stanley on the lessons of Gideon

The story of Gideon reveals six biblical truths that can lead to victory in impossible situations.

1. God uses difficulties to build our faith. He wants to strip us of our dependence on anything other than Him. We are to fix our focus on Christ, the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Heb. 12:2).

2. At times God may require the unreasonable. Gideon was allowed to take only three hundred men into battle with him, a fraction of the size of the enemy’s army.

3. The Lord always leads us to do what will bring Him glory. Had Israel won the battle in their own strength, the credit would have gone to them and not to God.

4. God sends encouragement when we need it the most. He is sensitive to our weaknesses and knows the proper time to send help and an encouraging word.

5. The Lord always works behind the scenes on our behalf. The night before Gideon marched into battle, God instilled confusion in the hearts of the enemy. The enemy fled in fear.

6. God provides specific instructions for victory. If we will rely on Him, He will lead us through every trial we face, step-by-step, according to His plan for our lives.

Bring your foe before God. No enemy is too great for Him.

Oh, Lord, lead me step-by-step. Work behind the scenes in my behalf.

Stanley, C. F. (2002). Seeking His face (349). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.