Complete Obedience

    There will never be victory until there is complete obedience.  A perfect example of that is seen in the triumph of Gideon and his three hundred.  When Gideon and his faithful few did exactly and entirely what God instructed them to do, the victory was won--overwhelmingly.  If they had disobeyed at all, victory would have turned into disaster.  Suppose that instead of standing in their place as instructed, they would have rushed down into the enemy's camp?  They would have been killed by the panic stricken, sword wielding enemy.  God's way is always best in its completeness.  To ensure the victory, we must follow His instructions explicitly.
     Note, as well, that God gives us exactly what we need to gain the victory--nothing more, nothing less.  We must use what He has given us in the place He bids us stand; for nothing else will do the job as well.  And nothing else will give Him the glory He alone deserves for the triumph.  The "weapons" God gave these men made no sense nor did they require any special human expertise to use them--only faithful obedience.  Yet, they were the perfect weapons for the victory God had in mind.  A sword and a shield would have done no good.  They would have lost the battle.  But a trumpet, a shout, and a pitcher worked perfectly.
     Be completely obedient.  The talents and gifts God has given you are exactly the ones required to accomplish His will, to gain the victory, to rout the enemy in the place He has called you to stand.  All He asks is that you be faithful and watch Him work and glorify His name.