Gideon’s men then crossed the Jordan. Scripture describes them with three remarkable words:
“Exhausted yet keeping up the pursuit.”
—Judges 8:4
They were not strong, refreshed, or eager. They were exhausted.
Yet they were still pursuing.
We often assume that if God wants us to continue, He will make us feel energetic and confident. But faithfulness is not always accompanied by enthusiasm. Sometimes obedience looks like taking the next step with trembling legs.
Gideon’s men had already won a great victory, but two Midianite kings—Zebah and Zalmunna—remained at large. As long as they remained free, the threat was not completely removed. The army therefore pressed forward, even though every man was weary.
There are seasons when we are called to do the same.
We may be tired of praying, tired of waiting, tired of forgiving, or tired of carrying a responsibility that never seems to end. Exhaustion whispers that stopping would be reasonable. But Scripture encourages us:
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
—Galatians 6:9
God does not condemn us for becoming tired. He meets us in our weakness:
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak…. Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”
—Isaiah 40:29, 31
There is a difference between being exhausted and being finished. Gideon’s men were faint, but their assignment remained. They did not allow their weariness to make the decision for them.
Next week:
They were hungry…who will bring the soup?
