An Unlikely Plan That Defeats The Opposition | Judges 7:16-18

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Our text today is Judges 7:16–18.

And he divided the three hundred men into three companies and put trumpets into the hands of all of them and empty jars, with torches inside the jars. And he said to them, “Look at me, and do likewise. When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do. When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then blow the trumpets also on every side of all the camp and shout, ‘For the LORD and for Gideon.’”— Judges 7:16-18

Gideon has just returned from overhearing the enemy’s dream. His confidence is high, but God’s battle plan is totally unconventional — and that's putting it mildly.

Instead of swords and shields, the men are armed with trumpets, jars, and torches. Gideon divides them into three companies, giving clear instructions: “Watch me, follow my lead, and shout when I shout.” The strategy is built around Godly obedience and spiritual unity, not an ounce of military logic. (Or so it would appear)

On paper, this plan is ridiculous. But that’s the point — so that when the victory comes, no one will mistake it for human ingenuity.

God’s plans will often strip away the weapons you think you need, so he becomes the weapon you depend on. And sometimes his weapons and plan will make no sense — at first.

For Gideon’s men, this wasn’t about skill with a sword — it was about the courage to obey a strange command. God wanted to win the battle in such a way that Israel could never proclaim, “We did this.” The victory would be undeniably God's. A victory of sound and light that we stir their dreams into nightmares that would crush them.

In your own life, God may call you into a challenge where your “weapons” look strange or inadequate — starting a ministry with little funding, having a hard conversation with only prayer and humility, taking a leap of faith without a safety net. These moments test whether you trust your own strategy or his voice.

Obedience in God’s kingdom is always more powerful than the sharpest weapon in human hands. When you follow His lead, even a jar and a trumpet can topple giants. So take a step of obedience in an area where God's plan does not make sense and stop trusting in your strategy!

ASK THIS:

Where is God asking you to obey even though His plan doesn’t make sense?
What “weapons” are you clinging to instead of trusting His strategy?
How might your obedience showcase His power more than your ability?
Who is watching your example of faith right now?
DO THIS:
Today, take one step of obedience in an area where you’ve been waiting for everything to “make sense.” Trust that God’s plan is better than your own.

PRAY THIS:
Lord, give me the courage to obey even when Your plan defies my logic. Help me trust Your strategy over my own and follow Your lead into the battle. Amen.

PLAY THIS:
"Stand In Your Love."