(Josh. 23:6-11)

INTRO: 

    A.  We often think numbers determine odds

     B.  May be different

           1.  In athletic games, talent, momentum, even mistakes of others may determine

                outcome

           2.  With religion, may just be a matter of faith (Mtt. 17:14-21)

I.  REMEMBER

     A.  Gideon’s army (Judges 7)

           1.  22,000 left when told could go back if scared (7:2-3), 10,000 remained

           2.  300 lapped water from hands (7:4-8)

           3.  Midian’s Army was “thick as locusts” and their “camels  were as the sand of the sea”

           4.  Gideon prevailed

      B.  Those with the Prophet Elisha (II Kings 6:8-23)

            1.  King of Aram’s wrath (6:8-14)

            2.  Fear of servant (6:15)

            3.  Army of protectors (6:16-18)

            4.  Elisha prevailed (6:19-23)

II.  OFTEN ACCENTUATE THE NEGATIVE

       A.  Fail to count God in the picture

       B.  Consider:  (Psa. 46, Rom 8:31, Eph. 3:20, Phil. 2:13, Josh. 1:5-10)

       C.  Even those who do not claim divine intervention can do great

              Things if apply self—
               Consider Ben Franklin—with two years formal schooling

               1.  Invented bifocals at 79 yrs.

                  2.  One of first to harness electricity at age 40

                  3.  Founded first Ivy League University at age 45

                  4.  Founded first library in USA at age 25

                  5.  Started first fire department at age 31

                  6.  Invented lightening rod at age 43

              7.  Invented a stove (still being used today) age 36

                 8.  Was conversationalist, economist, philosopher, diplomat,

                       printer, publisher, linguist (5 languages)

                 9.  Advocated idea of paratroopers (from balloons) a century

                      before airplane invented

III.  ISSUE IS NOT “HOW MANY”, BUT “HOW MUCH” FAITH!