Throughout Scripture, God consistently demonstrates His faithfulness to His people, often in the most unlikely of circumstances. Two powerful examples of this are the story of Gideon’s victory over the Midianites (Judges 6-7) and the fall of Jericho (Joshua 6). Though separated by time and context, both narratives reveal how God uses ordinary people and unconventional methods to display His power and fulfill His promises.

Gideon: Trusting God in Weakness

Gideon’s story begins with fear and doubt. When God calls him to deliver Israel from the Midianites, Gideon protests, saying, “My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family” (Judges 6:15). His hesitancy is relatable; he questions whether God is truly with him and seeks repeated confirmation through signs, such as the fleece (Judges 6:36-40). We’ve all been there. Saying something like, “is this truly you God?” Or, “are you sure you want me to do that?”

Despite Gideon’s initial doubt, God remained faithful and patient, guiding him step by step. Just like He’s done in my life and yours. The most remarkable aspect of Gideon’s victory lies in God’s strategy. Facing an army described as “thick as locusts” (Judges 7:12), Gideon starts with 32,000 men. However, God reduces the army to just 300, ensuring that the victory will unmistakably be attributed to Him, not human strength (Judges 7:2). Armed with trumpets, torches, and jars—not conventional weapons—Gideon’s army routs the Midianites.

Gideon’s victory highlights an important truth: God’s power is perfected in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we step out in faith, even with trembling hearts, God can accomplish extraordinary things through us.

Jericho: Obedience in the Unconventional

The fall of Jericho is another testament to God’s faithfulness and power. As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, Jericho stood as a formidable obstacle—a city fortified with impenetrable walls. Yet God’s instructions to Joshua were unconventional: march around the city once a day for six days, and on the seventh day, march around it seven times, then shout and blow trumpets (Joshua 6:2-5).

To human reasoning, this plan seemed absurd. Yet Joshua and the Israelites obeyed without hesitation. Their faith was rewarded when the walls of Jericho collapsed, granting them victory without a single weapon being raised (Joshua 6:20). This story reminds us that God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). His plans often defy logic, but they always accomplish His purposes.

Faith, Obedience, and God’s Glory

Both stories share common themes that resonate with believers today:

1. Faith in God’s Promises: Gideon and Joshua both trusted God’s promises, even when the odds seemed impossible. Their faith allowed them to experience God’s miraculous deliverance.

2. Obedience in Uncertainty: Both leaders followed God’s instructions, even when those instructions seemed unconventional. Obedience, even in the face of uncertainty, invites God’s blessing.

3. God’s Glory Displayed: In both victories, it was clear that the outcomes were due to God’s power, not human effort. This ensured that He received the glory.

Life often presents us with challenges that seem insurmountable—health crises, financial struggles, broken relationships, or personal weaknesses. Like Gideon and Joshua, we may feel inadequate or question how victory is possible. Yet their stories remind us that God’s faithfulness is not dependent on our strength or understanding.

When we trust Him, obey His leading, and step out in faith, God works in ways that exceed our expectations. Our “walls of Jericho” can crumble, and our “Midianite armies” can be defeated—not because of our might, but because of His.

As Paul writes in Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Gideon and Jericho stand as enduring testimonies to this truth: no matter how overwhelming the odds, God is faithful, and His power is more than enough.

Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.