Handling Weariness | Judges 8:4-9

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Our text today is Judges 8:4-9.

And Gideon came to the Jordan and crossed over, he and the 300 men who were with him, exhausted yet pursuing. So he said to the men of Succoth, “Please give loaves of bread to the people who follow me, for they are exhausted, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.” And the officials of Succoth said, “Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your hand, that we should give bread to your army?” So Gideon said, “Well then, when the Lord has given Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, I will flail your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers.” And from there he went up to Penuel, and spoke to them in the same way, and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered. And he said to the men of Penuel, “When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower." — Judges 8:4-9

Gideon and his 300 men are worn down. They’ve already fought a miraculous battle against Midian, but the fight isn’t over. They’re chasing the kings who escaped, and Scripture paints the raw picture: “exhausted yet pursuing.”

Instead of finding support from fellow Israelites, they get rejection. The men of Succoth and Penuel refuse to help, essentially saying: “Prove you’ve won first.” Imagine the sting—hungry, weary, and now doubted by your own people.

Yesterday, Gideon had to handle criticism with humility. Today, he must handle weariness with perseverance. Both require a leader’s heart anchored in God.

Life rarely slows down when you’re beaten up and beaten down. The bills still come. The kids still need you. The conflict at work doesn’t wait until you’re rested. And sometimes, just when you need encouragement most, people let you down instead.

That’s where this story hits home hardest. Exhausted yet pursuing sometimes describes the believer's life. Following Jesus will sometimes push you beyond your limits, and you’ll face opposition, even from those you thought would help.

Perseverance isn’t about never getting tired—it’s about trusting God enough to keep moving when you are. Gideon kept pressing forward because his confidence wasn’t in his strength or people’s support—it was in God’s promise.

If you’re worn out and tempted to quit, remember: your exhaustion doesn’t mean you’re defeated. It might mean you’re right on the edge of God’s breakthrough.

ASK THIS:

Where do I feel “exhausted yet pursuing” in my life right now?
Do I let people’s criticism or lack of support slow me down?
How does trusting God help me press on when I feel empty?
What might it look like for me to take one more step of faith today, even tired?
DO THIS:

Identify one place you feel worn out right now. Instead of quitting, take one small act of obedience today—trusting God for the strength to carry you further than you think you can go.

PRAY THIS:

Lord, I’m exhausted. But I don’t want to quit. Strengthen me to keep pursuing Your call, even when I feel weak, even when others let me down. Help me trust You for every step. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"Give Me Faith."