Now the camp of Midian lay below him in the valley. 9 During that night the Lord said to Gideon, “Get up, go down against the camp, because I am going to give it into your hands. 10 If you are afraid to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah 11 and listen to what they are saying. Afterward, you will be encouraged to attack the camp.” So he and Purah his servant went down to the outposts of the camp. 12 The Midianites, the Amalekites and all the other eastern peoples had settled in the valley, thick as locusts. Their camels could no more be counted than the sand on the seashore. (NIV)

The enemy forces were vast (11), and God had reduced the army of Israel to 300. On paper, they were hopelessly outnumbered. But once more the Lord assured Gideon of victory (9).

How good of God to deal gently and kindly with our fears. He knows just the form of encouragement we need, and ensures that we receive it. Gideon got just what he needed, when he needed it.

”As a father has compassion on his children,
    so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
 for he knows how we are formed,
    he remembers that we are dust.” (Psalm 103:13,14)

”He remembered that they were but flesh,
    a passing breeze that does not return.” (Psalm 78:39)

‘…the Holy Spirit devoted an entire chapter of the New Testament – Hebrews 11 – to the victories of faith won by ordinary people who dared to believe God and act upon His promises.’ Warren Wiersbe

We can thank God that He ”gives endurance and encouragement” (Rom.15:5)