Who would have ever thought that Gideon with his army of 300 would prevail against 120,000 Midianites, slain in the initial battle, plus 15,000 more who were destroyed shortly afterwards. At the end of the day, all that could be said was that God truly was working through Gideon to accomplish His purposes. Three hundred versus 135,000 seems like impossible odds until God becomes part of the picture.
The numbers are slightly different, but there is an amazing parallel between what happened about 3,000 years ago and what happened last week at this congregation. Our Sunday attendance is about 375, and we were urged by our elders to give over $125,000 to finance the works proposed for us to do in mission work in 2016. With the economy being what it is (have you checked the rising prices of everything except gas), it seemed an insurmountable challenge.
Mission Sunday began twelve years ago when our shepherds decided to use the contributions from 51 weeks to finance the year’s work which previously was financed by the funds from 52 weeks each year. The other week’s contribution would be devoted to evangelizing the lost world. The Lord has blessed us and used us. In those twelve years, we have been able to give $1,410,000. We spent the two weeks prior to Mission Sunday showing what God has been able to do with these funds and then looking at what was planned for 2016. Many, because of the nature of our economy, thought we would not be able to give this year as we had in past years.
At the end of our services, we awaited the announcement of the amount we had given earlier in the service. When the total given was revealed, there was an audible expression of amazement and thanksgiving. It was the largest Mission Sunday contribution ever. Who would have ever imagined that we would give over $154,000!
Gideon accomplished what he did because he trusted God. He accomplished what he did because he was determined to follow God. He accomplished what he did because he loved God more than all that which was around him. The end result was not because of Gideon. It was because of God. Gideon’s army of 300 won the victory over 135,000 Midianites.
Palm Beach Lakes accomplished what it did because we trusted God. We accomplished what we did because we were determined to follow God. We accomplished what we did because we loved God more than all that which is around us. The end result was not because of PBL. It was because of God. His “army” of 375 at PBL won the victory and surpassed the challenge of 154,000 before us! It was all because of Him!