"With the 300 men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand."
I trust you remember the story (read Judges 7). Israel was facing a formidable challenge from the Midianites and God had called Gideon to lead them. As Gideon worked to select those who would serve in the army, God kept whittling the numbers down, to a level most would consider absurd for battle. Yet, God said:
"The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me."
Reminder to Patiently Persevere
Interestingly enough, God gave me this passage coming out of my quasi-sabbatical, a season focused on finishing my dissertation and a degree of rest. Throughout that sabbath season, the Lord was reminding me to be patient and persevere. Some of that had to do with simply slogging through the detail of writing a dissertation. Most who know me know I’m not a detail person. And, while I’m normally seen as a fairly patient person, God had more in store.
Challenges, Creativity & Coronavirus
We had finished the year in a challenging financial position so God was telling me, this will be a year where we may need to tighten our belts, and rely on the creativity of our small army of staff, missionaries and volunteer partners. Little did I know what God had in store!
Next thing you know the global pandemic hit and the economy went into a freefall. “Wow, really God, Gideon’s Army?” Since that passage was given to me, and even more so since the global pandemic, A3 has been working in creative ways: I’m sure many of you are having to do the same. I realize more than ever, our dependence on the Lord and his provision of people and resources to enable ministry to develop.
Devastation and Revival
Through it all, while I keep hearing devastating news, I’m also hearing stories of revival. Many are coming to Christ and the digital versions of church are seeing record levels of participation and attendance. And, through our small army alone, God is doing great things.
A Small Army of Supporters
Those of you who support us are key to Gideon’s Army. Every few weeks, I hear of another gift that comes in, sometimes sizeable but mostly small and little by little, God keeps providing. Yes, we’ll have to tighten our belts quite a bit but the Lord is showing up as I shared previously: When things go wrong, God shows up strong!
Thank you for walking with us in this season. We are in this TOGETHER!
Let Us Pray Together... and wait on God
And, do pray for churches all across Asia that are suffering. Seems like every day, I hear stories of how the economy has wreaked havoc on their church families and communities. Pray for us as we seek to serve them in the midst of this global crisis.
As we wait patiently and persevere through this pandemic, God is showing up and displaying his glory through you, Gideon’s Army! Thank you for stepping out in faith to serve him during these challenging days.
Rev. Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D.
President, A3
@jwhandley
@jwhandley
More Information
- When things go wrong, God shows up strong!
- We are in this TOGETHER!
- Coronavirus-related articles from A3
