Numbers measure everything. From announcing the time of day to the amount of sugar in my tea, digits are an active bunch. They tell us how many friends we have, how much money we owe or how old we are.

But I measure by eye when I cook and I don’t associate the size of a crowd with success. Yet some digits are dizzying and I can be numbed by a number. If you have too, you know what it’s like when “not enough” or “too many” starts to zap your faith’s ability to function.

Once the numbing is complete, it’s hard to sense what God is doing or what we could do differently.

I’ve had seasons in life where a disappointing score, a not-so-dreamy dress size or a dreaded lab report hindered the faith stirring in me.  And yet, when I dig for a deeper truth about numbers, there’s a lot to learn. In Judges 7, Gideon can relate.

In verse 2, the Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many warriors with you. If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength.”

God knew if Gideon had an abundance of warriors, it would lead to less dependence on Him. He knew that kind of pride would eventually lead to Gideon’s fall.

It can lead to my fall too. Self-sufficiency is like kryptonite when it comes to God’s grace.

So as Gideon prepared for battle, the size of his army shrunk. Each time God gave a new directive, some of Gideon’s warriors took a hike. God’s strategy for victory was starting to look like a gradual turn towards defeat.

But whatever we lack, it leaves more room for His grace.

Our few becomes a tool for His plenty.

We could consider the number of days, weeks or years we’ve waited for a prayer to be answered; or the amount of resources needed to accomplish a goal.

We could consider our successes or set backs or count the apologies we want (or need to say).

But it’s important to also consider these words from the psalmist:

I am counting on the Lord ; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word. Psalms 130:5 NLT

The facts attached to a figure don’t have to be final.

When I become discouraged, it’s often because I’m counting on the wrong person or tallying marks only grace can erase. The psalmist reminds us to put our hope in the Lord and in His word. Alone.

But trusting Him doesn’t happen if I’m stuck in fickle feelings and limited perspectives. Yet as I appreciate His love and sovereign rule, I see my calculations are just that — my calculations. However, my God is always bigger than what I see or don’t see.

He led Gideon to victory, despite the numbers. Gideon and his men fought hard, but they trusted God more than their strength. We should work hard too. But we’re often in a similar process of learning to depend on Him when we feel at a disadvantage — or we’re at the top of our game.

No matter what our numbers reveal, they don’t compare to how frequently we’re on God’s mind.

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! - Psalms 139: 17-18

Each thought is entwined with Christ’s redemption and intended to reveal His glory. As I embrace His grace, the only numbers I want to define me are the liberating verses from His Word. Each one provides insight or encouragement, bringing hope for the heart and joy to the soul.