"And Moses and Eleazar the priest received the gold from the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and brought it into the tent of meeting, as a memorial for the people of Israel before the Lord." (Numbers 31:54).

The people of Israel had won a battle over the Midianites, people who were ripe for God's judgment. After their victory, Moses told the people exactly what to do with the spoils. A certain amount belonged to them, but some must be given to God (and his priesthood).

The passage reminds me of this truth: How we respond to the victory God gives is important. He is looking for humility and dependence, so we must react to the good times accordingly.

If we drift from him when times are good, and only run to him when times are tough, is that true humility? Not at all. God is looking for people who, even when the fruit is on the vine, and life is good, know how to depend on him.

As God's children, we are in a perpetual state of need. He is our Father, our provider, our defender, and we must always turn to him for aid. And when the pains of life come, though our flesh is capable of rebellion during any season, we might think it wise to cry out to God. But when seasons of prosperity arrive, will we continue to lean on him? Will we mistakenly believe victory is certain?

Instead, we must continue to credit God for our fruit. We must thank him for all he's done. We must do the good times well.