Last Friday, my morning devotional was based on the story of Gideon in Judges 6-8. It stressed the importance of trusting in the Lord's strength and not our own. The author stated, "God calls us mighty, even as we are hiding out. God calls us powerful, even as our forces dwindle. God calls us wealthy even as we are fretting about finances. God majors in the impossible. He can overpower terrible odds because he is free to shine his light on our situation...let your lack invite his might." I was reminded that God's plan and his ways are perfect. That I can trust and hope in him.

Then, on Sunday, my pastor reminded us that God is for us. He used the story of Gideon as his text. He said, "God chose you. Your predicament/failure/pain did not catch him by surprise, so you need to trust him for the outcome. God is able to show his power through your insufficiency. God is on your side. You fight from (with) victory not for victory!" I left the service on Sunday knowing that God's plan and his ways are perfect. That I can trust and hope in him.

This morning, I sat down and began reading today's devotion. It was based on Joshua 6:16 and Judges 7:15. In the first passage, Joshua tells the Israelites to shout as they march around Jericho for the last time. He says, "The Lord has given you this city!" And in Judges 7:15, Gideon tells his men, "Get up! The Lord has given the Midianite camp into your hands." These men went into their battles knowing what the outcome was going to be. The Lord reassured them that they already had victory. The devotional said, "Gideon's response here is key. He immediately worshiped God as sure as if the victory had taken place. He trusted God completely even though the circumstances weren't certain. After he worshiped God, he took action. He operated according to God's faithfulness, not his own perspective."

Three times in the last week I have been reminded of Gideon's story. I have been reminded each time that God's plan and his ways are perfect. That I can trust and hope in him. I realized this morning that it's not just about God telling Gideon and Joshua that he has given them a victory, it's also about Gideon and Joshua acting on what God told them to do.

People must have thought Joshua was insane by having the Israelites march around the walls of Jericho. But Joshua acted. He did his part. God was faithful.

The same with Gideon. How many people thought he was crazy for taking only 300 men into battle? But he didn't care. He trusted God for victory. He acted. He did his part. God was faithful.

As I look at our "battle" of being completely debt free and our desire to live simply...to live with less, I know God will always supply our needs. I know that he is faithful. I know that he will take care of us. But I also understand that we must do our part. People may think we're crazy because we are making our own breads and snacks, but it saves us money. They may look at me funny when I take things out of my grocery cart because we really don't need them, but this is living with less. People may not understand why we downsized to one vehicle, but this helps us simplify. Some may look down on us for not setting money aside for date nights and family outings, but I know that we can have free alone time after the kids are in bed and that we can have free and fun family time at home. I am doing my part even if it seems crazy. Even it's hard at times. I am learning from Joshua and Gideon. I am acting. And God is faithful.