One step in front of the other. That’s the way I got through a weary day recently. Looking back, it reminded me of a story of Gideon and his army in the book of Judges.
In chapter 7, we see this crazy experience of amazing trust as Gideon follows God’s instructions that ends up taking an army of 32,000 and narrows it down to simply 300 men. God was going to make the ever so clear that any victory they had was not because of them, but because of God himself fighting for them.
It’s one of my favorite stories especially as God understands Gideon’s fearful hearts in going against such a large nation as the Midianites. And so God provides the encouragement they need to continue in trust. With some jars and trumpets, simply holding torches in their hands, the army was defeated. As we turn the page into chapter 8, after a long night of battle they then have to deal with some of their own who are likely jealous that they could be part of this victory.
Understandably, this made them even more exhausted. There’s nothing quite as frustrating as getting through a tough battle in life just to have people criticize the way you did it. When we get to verse 4 it says this:
Then Gideon and the 300 men who were with him came to the Jordan and crossed over, weary yet pursuing.
Weary, yet pursuing.
Exhausted yet keeping up, another translation says.
Faint, yet pushing on.
Sometimes in the weary world, we can choose to rejoice.
Sometimes, a weary world just needs rest.
Other times, like was the case for Gideon and his army, we’ve got to simply keep putting one foot in front of the other. God had given them a purpose and a mission and despite how weary they were they had to move forward. It’s hard. And it often seems the most difficult when, in the midst of a broken, sinful, wearying world, we’re working against the tide trying to do good.
Paul in the Bible knew and experienced this as well. Yet, he had these words for the churches of Galatia:
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:9-10)
Press on, weary world.
Eyes. On. Jesus.
The best is still to come.
Don’t give up.
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