Open Heavens Devotional by Pastor E.A. Adeboye
MEMORIZE: “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not
high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own
conceits” (Romans 12:16).
READ: Judges 7:1-8
Not every warrior or arsenal that is available for battle
should necessarily be deployed if victory is to be guaranteed. For certain
battles, the highest level of cooperation, agreement and unity is required or
else, it may be lost. In Judges 7:1-8, while preparing to attack the
Midianites, God told Gideon to trim his army. After a few measures were
applied, an army of 32,000 was reduced to a mere 300 men. This means there were
31,700 soldiers whose minds were not prepared for battle. Can you imagine going
into a project or battle with people who are not prepared or in support? It
could be so frustrating. They will complain over every little difficulty. If
they meet with a brick wall, they will call for the leaders head. No wonder
when Jesus had very sensitive miracles to perform or very crucial ministerial
assignments to carry out, He did not go with the crowd. He had an inner circle—the
trio of Peter, James and John—He took with Him at such times.
On the other hand, from the Gideon story, we learn that
victory is not determined by numbers or size. You can have a crowd and lose the
battle. You can however, be few and united and have the victory. Wise leaders
prayerfully search for the few who could unite with them to move their
God-given vision. But leaders who think otherwise want to go with the crowd. It
is easier to carry a few people towards achieving a vision than carrying the
mixed multitude. Unity can give victory in time of war. Like wisdom, unity is
equally crucial when engaging in battle. Is there a particular battle to fight?
Before attempting it, prayerfully select those who can unite with you in the
same vision. One major reason visions are delayed or set back is because
leaders go ahead without first determining the real members of their team. Not
everyone in a crowd is part of your team. If care is not taken, some of the
crowd are there to make sure you derail. Ask the Lord to help you to identify
your true team players and weed out the mixed multitude.
PRAYER POINT
It is easier to do the impossible with two people who are
united than a divided crowd. Father, uproot every three you have not planted in
my life.
Bible in One year: Jer. 30-32
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