John 9- Judges 8-9

John 9-
1As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.

4As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.

When things happen that we don't expect, we should see it as an opportunity that God's work might be displayed in our life! Also, verse 4, what a great reminder for US that as long as it is day, we must do the work of God!

31We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. 32Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. 33If this man were not from God, he could do nothing."

Judges 7-8
Gideon started out with 32,000 men and God told him to keep 300 of them! Vs 8, So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites to their tents but kept the 300. Vs 10, God tells Gideon that if he's afraid to attack, go hear what the men in camp are saying. A man had a dream that confirmed Gideon should attack! With trumpets, jars and 300 men, they defeated the Midianites.

Judges 8-
22 The Israelites said to Gideon, "Rule over us—you, your son and your grandson—because you have saved us out of the hand of Midian." 23 But Gideon told them, "I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The LORD will rule over you."

Gideon gave God the glory for his wins over Midian and knew who really was in charge and would rule over the people! They experienced 40 years of peace.
33 No sooner had Gideon died than the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals. They set up Baal-Berith as their god and did not remember the LORD their God, who had rescued them from the hands of all their enemies on every side.

If we always start off our prayers with thanksgiving, we should never forget the things the Lord has done! The Israelites forgot God! Help me Lord to always remember your blessings, especially the gift of your Son!