Faithful and Few
by: William Gray
May 14, 2025
“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong...”
Throughout history, God has consistently chosen the devoted few over the comfortable many. One of the most powerful examples of this truth is found in the story of Gideon in Judges 6–7. When God chose to deliver Israel from the hand of the Midianite army of 135,000 men, He didn’t need a massive army. He didn’t even use 10,000. He used 300 men—courageous, watchful, obedient, and faithful.
The story isn’t just about an ancient battle. It’s a call to us—to be counted among the “faithful and few,” consecrated to God, alert and ready. The 300 men who remained in Gideon’s army reflect four core qualities God still looks for in His people today so He can use them for His glory.
1. Faith Over Fear
“Whoever is timid or afraid may leave this mountain and go home” (NLT, Judges 7:3).
When Gideon first gathered his troops, God told him to release anyone who was afraid. 22,000 men walked away. They were Israelites, God’s people—but fear disqualified them from participating in the deliverance He was about to bring.
Fear is a powerful disabler. It can rob us of our calling before the battle even begins. But God doesn’t shame us for our fear—He understands it and is prepared to help us deal with it. You can see that later in Judges 7:10, God told Gideon that if he was afraid, he could take a servant with him to observe the Midianite camp for confirmation. Gideon did—and God strengthened him.
Still, Scripture is clear: fear should not define us.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (NLT, 2 Timothy 1:7).
“Be strong and courageous” (NLT, Joshua 1:9).
To be among the faithful and few, we must face fear with faith and step forward in trust, even when we feel inadequate. we must face fear with faith and step forward in trust, even when we feel inadequate.
2. Be Watchful
“Divide the men into two groups. In one group put all those who cup water in their hands and lap it up with their tongues like dogs” (NLT, Judges 7:5).
Out of the 10,000 who remained after the fearful left, God gave Gideon another test. Those who knelt and drank directly from the stream were sent home. But the 300 men who cupped the water in their hands, staying alert to their surroundings, remained.
It may seem like a small detail—but it was everything. These were men who stayed vigilant, who didn’t let their physical need distract them from the battle ahead. They were disciplined, focused, and ready.
Scripture calls us to that same kind of spiritual watchfulness:
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (NLT, 1 Peter 5:8).
“So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clear headed.” (1 NLT, Thessalonians 5:6).
“So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming” (NLT, Matthew 24:42)
The faithful few stay spiritually alert—while others are distracted or apathetic.
3. Go in His Strength
“Get up! For the Lord has given you victory…” (NLT, Judges 7:15).
The moment Gideon realized that God had already gone before him, he bowed in worship—but he didn’t stay there. Strengthened by the assurance of God's presence, he rose in confidence and walked in obedience. There was no more hesitation. He gathered the 300 and stepped fully into the mission God had given him.
Gideon knew the outcome wouldn't come from strategy or strength—it would come from God alone.
This was God's battle. His power. His victory. Gideon simply aligned his steps with God’s voice. Which is what true obedience looks like: moving boldly, not in your strength, but in the confidence that God is with you.
4. Stand Firm
“Each man stood at his position around the camp...” (NLT, Judges 7:21).
In the battle, Gideon’s 300 didn’t have swords in their hands. They had trumpets, torches, and empty jars—yet they stood their ground. God caused confusion in the enemy camp and the Midianites turned on each other. The Israelites simply had to obey and hold their position.
God had already promised victory in verse 7:
“…I will rescue you and give you victory...” (NLT, Judges 7:7).
Only 300 men out of 32,000 were chosen. That’s less than 1%. But God works through the willing, not the widespread.
“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong” (NLT, 1 Corinthians 16:13).
“Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today” (NLT, Exodus 14:13).
We may feel outnumbered in culture. But God is looking for those who will stand firm, even in the minority.
Will You Be One of the 300?
Gideon’s 300 were fearless, watchful, steadfast, and obedient. They were chosen not because of strength or talent, but because they were devoted and ready.
In a distracted and fearful world, God is still calling a remnant—a people set apart, walking in courage and obedience—the faithful and few.
Will you be one of them?
Worship: Available
Prayer
Lord, I come humbly before You asking for more of Your strength. In Jesus name, I bind the spirit of fear and loose the spirit of courage and obedience over my life. You have given me Your power to trample snakes and scorpions, so I live boldly in the calling You have for me. You are worthy of all glory, honor, praise, and devotion, so I give You all of me.
Further Study
Matthew 7:13-14, Romans 11:5, Revelation 3:8
Related Posts
Throughout history, God has consistently chosen the devoted few over the comfortable many. One of the most powerful examples of this truth is found in the story of Gideon in Judges 6–7.