Judges 7:10 If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah.
“Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when your limo breaks down.”
One of the greatest battle victories recorded in the Bible is the astounding victory of Gideon and his 300 men. The Midianites, the Amalekites and all the other eastern peoples had settled in the valley, thick as locusts (vs 12). The Lord God sent Gideon along with his armor bearer and combat companion Purah, into the enemy’s camp. Armor bearers were trustworthy companions who stay close to the commander throughout the battle. The two men ventured into the camp of the Midianites at night and eavesdropped the conversation of two friends. Gideon arrived just as a man was telling a friend his dream. “I had a dream,” he was saying. “A round loaf of barley bread came tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck the tent with such force that the tent overturned and collapsed.” His friend responded, “This can be nothing other than the sword of Gideon son of Joash, the Israelite. God has given the Midianites and the whole camp into his hands.” (Judges 4:13-14). The narrative strengthened the confidence of Gideon. He worshipped the Lord and plunged into battle against the multitude and God gave the 300 men victory over the 3 million!
Good friends remain when the phony ones leave. Like the storm that shakes the dry leaves from the tree, the spurious pretenders will leave us when we face fierce trials and harsh criticism. Those who do not want to be identified with us when we are scammed in FaceBook or condemned by the crowd are only speculators and unscrupulous manipulators. A man with many friends can still be ruined, but a true friend sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). We don’t need many, we just need the few who will stick closer than a brother.
Godly Companions:
1. Questions: Godly companions don’t barrage us with questions when we are in the unknown dark phases of life. The combat companion of Gideon asked him no questions but put his life on the line and walked into dangerous territory. It is important to ask wise questions but asking questions when we have no answers are only excuses. Godly friends give us hope and assurance by accompanying us in our journey.
2. Quiet: Godly friends are quiet prayer warriors. There is no record of Gideon’s friend Purah speaking a single word. He was a quiet companion who braced Gideon’s confidence by his presence. Godly friends will not bombard us with accusations but partner with us in prayer when we go through tough trials.
3. Qualm: The accompanying divine accompaniment will help us to dissipate the qualm and fear. Keep away from those who insinuate doubt and evil foreboding.
Divine companions are combat comrades who bolster us with their presence and prayers.
Judges 7:15 When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed down and worshiped.
Prayer: Father God, give me the blessing of well meaning friends who will stand with me and build me up, not break me down when I go through dark gloomy trials. Amen
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