Gathering
Remember when you “won” at something where the odds were heavily stacked against you? How did you account for the wonderful outcome in your “victory speech”?
- I took more credit than I deserved.
- I spread the credit to my teammates.
- I credited my good luck or sheer coincidence.
- I saw God’s handiwork all over it.
- Other __________.
Backstory
To prepare Israel for battle against Midian, God calls Gideon as his next “judge” or “mighty warrior.” At first, Gideon is not at all confident of his calling or of victory, so he asks for a sign to be assured God is with him. God sends an angel who signals God’s presence in the fire that consumes the meat and bread offering. God later condescends to Gideon’s weak faith desiring another sign, this time regarding a wool fleece—not once, but twice. Thus, Gideon, after seeing, is now believing. God, in turn, tests that new-found faith by asking Gideon to reduce his men to less than 1% of his already outnumbered army. This would leave no doubt that Gideon’s and Israel’s success would be due to God and no other reason.
God’s Story
Have someone read aloud the story of Gideon defeating the Midianites in Judges 7: 1-25.
Finding My Story in God’s Story
Where in this story do you see yourself?
- One of the trumpet blowers—having a blast
- An advanced scout—noticing things to report back.
- The rearguard—hoping to out-flank the enemy
- Gideon—leading the way and praising God
- Gideon—looking for signs, not fully trusting God
- The opposition—fleeing for my life
- The meat and bread—on fire for God
- The wool fleece—sometimes all wet and of no use
- Other __________.
What strategic means did God use to bring about the victory in his name?
- All success comes from God alone, so no human strategy was needed.
- Dreams foretold an Israelite victory, discouraging the enemy troops.
- Noise from trumpets and glass created confusion and allusion of a large Israelite army.
- An initial divide-and-conquer strategy gives way to reinforcements at the end.
- Other __________.
What goes through your mind when facing overwhelming odds and your life is on the line?
- Without God in the picture, this battle makes no sense at all.
- “Why is God punishing me?”
- “God, let’s make a deal: If you get me through this, I promise …”
- Oh great, I’m crapping in my pants.
- Other __________.
Recall when you were in over your head—at the end of your rope—but reached out and grabbed hold of God. What was that like for you?
- A man drowning at sea has greater appreciation for a lifeline.
- I never prayed so intensely as on that dire occasion.
- Everything came together beyond my wildest dreams.
- I completed my end of the deal and gave God a praise offering.
- Other __________.
If you knew victory was assured and you couldn’t fail, what might you dare to do for God?
Our Story
Where do you see evidence that life is a “team” victory, like Gideon’s?
- No man is an island; we all need other tribes to secure victory.
- Life is a relay race, with others finishing what we start—and vice versa.
- As the 300-strong strike force shared victory with the 32,000, so also I will share credit.
- It always takes a team—a leader, spies, other warriors, and strong bench players.
- Other __________.
The Midianites’ dream conveyed the false idea they were outnumbered by Israel. How can your men’s group help you the next time self-defeating ideas cause you to be intimidated by others?
- Group prayer would banish scary thoughts running through my mind.
- I need a discernment group to tell me if my thoughts are true—or not.
- I now realize creepy dreams and untested thoughts can be self-defeating.
- I vow before others never to die on my own sword, as my own worst enemy.
- Other __________.
We often make excuses or blame external conditions when things go south. Conversely, we get a big ego when things go right. How can your group help you navigate the space between these two extremes?
Pray about those next steps identified in questions #7, #9 and #10.