What kind of warriors would God select for the army of Israel?  He only wanted soldiers who had a fearless desire to fight.  Officers were directed to filter out the fainthearted.  A minimal excuse could get a reluctant soldier a pass: building a new home; planting a new vineyard; engaged to be married or simply fear of fighting.  Why would God willingly reduce the head count?  Wouldn’t every soldier contribute?  Apparently not.  If someone does not have his heart in the cause, they were to “Let him go home so that his brothers will not become disheartened too” (Deut.20:8).  God was preparing to do the fighting for Israel.  Therefore, the greatest attribute of a soldier was not military acumen, battlefield experience or weapon skills.  The most important characteristic of a man God uses is faith.  In this setting, the distracted soldiers were sent home because their lack of faith would infect the zeal of those fully committed.  Never underestimate the influence of your peers!  God can do more with a few who are full of confidence in his ability, than a massive army that relies on their own strength.  Don’t give in to discouragement today.  Trust the Lord, and join with those whose faith is ablaze.

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