Devotionals by Raul Ries

MONDAY April 20, 2026

The Heroes of Faith

And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets....
Hebrews 11:32

The list of other heroes of faith continues in Hebrews 11:32. The names of these men were recorded because of their great faith and how it was exercised in accomplishing great exploits for the Lord. The first person named is Gideon. He was chosen by God to defeat the Midianites. The Lord came to him and said: “The Lord is with you, mighty man of valor!” (Judges 6:12). As a fearful and insecure person, he sought many confirmations from the Lord before he moved forward, by faith, into battle. God reassured His servant (Judges 6:13-40).

God commanded Gideon to fight against the Midianites. Although he had an army of 32,000 men, God lowered their number, so He received the glory, not Israel. Did you know that only 300 from the 32,000 were chosen by God to go and fight against the Midianites? Those who were afraid left––22,000 returned. At Gideon's spring, God separated the men who lapped the water. They would fight with Gideon, and the rest were sent home (Judges 7:1-8).

God reassured Gideon of victory and gave him the battle plan to defeat the enemy. He ordered his men to take a trumpets and empty pitchers with torches inside them––that was it. He divided three hundred men into three companies. From every side of the enemy’s camp, they blew their trumpets, broke the pitchers, held their torches, and shouted: “The sword of the Lord of Gideon!” The Midianites believed Gideon had a vast army against them when, in reality, there were only 300 men. They caused such fear and confusion that their enemies began to fight against each other in the camp. Terrified, they fled (Judges 7:9-22).

The plan worked! Then Israel banded together to pursue and defeat the Midianites. God gave Israel the victory with only 300 men! Gideon became Israel’s Judge for 40 years (Judges 8:28). God always works with the few, not with the multitudes, so that He receives the glory.

Those that really believe in God, those that really trust in the Lord will do great feats for the Lord. By faith, will you be that man or woman?
~Alan Redpath~

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