Over the years, I have watched as the various military services have changed their recruiting slogans. Individual branches retain an ad agency and test ideas with focus groups to see which one gains tractions.

Having been a combat veteran, I never thought an “Army of One” was a good idea. “Be all you can be” was better. “Army Strong” is pretty good.

The Navy has had quite a few, as has the Air Force. But the Marines have stuck with “The Marines are looking for a Few Good Men” for some time. I joined in 1965 at the beginning of Vietnam. I had no idea how long that slogan had been around. Was it during WWII or Korea? Earlier? I didn’t know.

Years ago, I was preparing to speak at a Marine Corps Birthday Ball. If you know anything about Marines, it’s a big deal. I was researching the founding of the Marine Corps back to November 10, 1775. The battles of Lexington and Concord had taken place earlier that year. The Continental Congress, realizing war with Great Britain was inevitable, established the Continental Marines. Here’s the amazing part — the recruiting slogan was the same as it is today!

It gets better. The Marines weren’t just looking for a few “good men”; they had a particular example they were using. His name was Gideon and his qualifications were found in the Old Testament book of Judges (Chapters 6-7). God’s call upon Gideon came about as he was hiding from the Midianites, where he had some grain to make some biscuits and gravy without getting caught (Roger’s paraphrase).

The “Angel of the Lord” appears and calls him “O mighty man of valor!” If that were me, I’d be looking around to see who else was in the room. Nevertheless, Gideon gets fired up and goes out and challenges the entire nation of Israel to enlist. It works and he has 32,000 recruits. One problem: The Midianites had 135,000 soldiers!

Then comes the bad news. God tells Gideon, “You have too many.” So, he calls a formation and tells everyone, “We’re going into battle and some may die. Anyone have second thoughts?” When the dust clears, he’s down to 10,000. Okay, he thinks, it’s now 13.5 to 1, but… More bad news. God says, “You still have too many.” Bottom line: The army was reduced down to only 300 men and the Lord said, “Now you’re ready!” The amazing part is that they won the battle overwhelmingly!

The Marine Corps said, “We’re not looking for just anybody. We want men of godly character and integrity like Gideon.” I shared that at the Ball and the Marines got fired up!

Today, in our culture and political realm, things look overwhelming. It seems leftists are unstoppable in their efforts to destroy this nation as we know it. Many have just given up and given in to what they feel is the inevitable end of the American Dream.

God is not done with America. We still have hope, as long as we have breath. I believe the Lord is raising up the next generation of both political and spiritual leaders who will be fearless. Men and women of godly character and integrity will change the course of the nation. It’s happened before. It will happen again!

Something to pray about!