GIDEON'S SOLDIERS WERE FOOTSORE AND FAINT. Yet they were the Lord's selected host, and they were stedfastly following their Captain. But from their exertions, their conquests, and the want of food, they were faint. They were faint near the Jordan, where God had done such great things for their forefathers, and just as their victory was being accomplished. All this is true of the Lord's people now. Though the Lord's beloved ones, the soldiers of the cross, from the burdens they have to bear, from the trials they have to endure, from the conflicts they are engaged in, and from the want of feeding on spiritual provisions, they become faint, dejected, and dispirited. Still these men were pursuing. They did not give up, nor give way to carnal reason, which may have suggested: "If God were with us, he would surely not allow us to feel thus faint." They pursued their vanquished foes in obedience to God's commands, encouraged by His promises. Brethen, let us imitate these worthy men. Do you feel faint? Does it affect your prayer? your labour? Still pursue! Pursue, because God is with you.

For Meditation:
Soldiers of Christ! arise,
And put your armour on;
Strong in the strength which God supplies
Through His eternal Son;
Strong in the Lord of host,
And in His mighty power;
Who in the strength of Jesus trusts
Is more than conqueror.