The Chinese historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms describes the “Empty Fort Strategy” to trick the enemy. When 150,000 troops from the Wei Kingdom reached Xicheng, which had less than 2,500 soldiers, they found the city gate wide open and the famous military tactician Zhuge Liang calmly playing with two children beside him. The Wei general, confused by the scene and believing it was an ambush, ordered a full retreat.

The Bible offers another example of a strange battle strategy. In Judges 7, God had Gideon use 300 men, armed with just horns, jars and blazing torches, against armies that were “as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number” (v.12).

Could Israel defeat such a formidable foe? It was humanly impossible! They had neither the manpower nor the military hardware. But they had one thing that worked for them, and that was all they needed. They had God’s promise: “With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory” (v.7 nlt). The result? Victory!

Are you facing a formidable challenge? The Lord has said, “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all [people]. Is there anything too hard for Me?” (Jer. 32:27).

Author

Poh Fang Chia

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