day no. 15,222 continued... more than we imagined, but less than we hoped

1 Chronicles 12:32
And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.

As I walked this morning, I found myself crying out to God begging for men of Issachar to be raised up and revealed in this generation: men who understand what's going on and what to do about it. 

And then I considered the fact of their number according to the Chronicler was 200. When you are looking out at the crowds, it is easy to think that 200 isn't enough. However, when you're feeling alone, it is comforting to know that there are 200. 

Then I considered Gideon's 300.

Judges 8:4
And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them.

God vanquished an army of numbering tens of thousands at the hands of a faithful 300. While 300 may not inspire confidence when overlooking an army of opposition, God can overcome numerical disparity with spiritual fidelity.

Then I considered Elijah.

1 Kings 18:22
Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even I only, remain a prophet of the Lord; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men.

God used one faithful prophet to overcome 450. By the end of their altercation, Elijah stood and the 450 were slain. By that math, an army of 135,000 could be demolished by a faithful tribe of 300. And that is probably well within the reasonable range of disparity of numbers Gideon actually faced and overcome by grace through faith.

1 Kings 19:18
I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.

While scanning social media and using Google, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, etc... you may be inclined to believe that if you are faithful, you are few. And that may well be the case, but it is also a comfort to remember that there are likely more than we imagine, though less than we hoped. Yet, God can overcome numerical impossibilities and provide glorious victory to those who overcome the world by their faith.

Luke 18:27

The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

1 John 5:4
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.


*If by 300, God unmade 135,000, imagine what He could do with 7,000? By my math, it's 3,150,000, and that's limiting God's servant to merely a 1/450 ratio.