A guy is sitting by a tree.. a surprisingly simple start to a shocking supernatural story. The story of Gideon is one that we can easily relate to: he is complaining about how hard things are for him and how God is doing nothing about it. To his great surprise, God responds and puts the challenge back in Gideon’s lap..
“The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” Judges 6:11
God calls Gideon to a repentance from worshiping foreign gods, showing it with action. Gideon does what most of us would do.. look for an excuse. He asks for a sign to make sure ‘this is from God’. To his great surprise, God provides the sign. God even assures Gideon..
But the Lord said to him, “Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.” Judges 6:23
The story of Gideon is most noted for this exchange of God declaring that Gideon is to do things exceedingly beyond what he can do in his own power, resulting in Gideon’s doubt, followed by a sign from God. The process is one of building courage and trust that God will keep his end of the deal.
Then Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece, but this time make the fleece dry and let the ground be covered with dew.” That night God did so. Only the fleece was dry; all the ground was covered with dew. Judges 6:39-40
The climax of Gideon’s story does not come from his brilliant courage or his valiant skill as a warrior, but from his faith to follow God’s direction, even at unbelievable odds. The signs God had provided; in the fire, the fleece and the dew, and in the dream, were steps towards the great victory and the salvation of Israel from the Midianites.
A few lessons to consider from Gideon..
- – God knows the difficult place you are in
- – God sees in you beyond what you see in yourself
- – The Lord will provide a sign
- – Do not be afraid, The Lord is with you
- – God will open the opportunity in front of you
- – The Spirit of The Lord makes all the difference
- – God moments come in difficult times
- – Encouragement can come from strange places
- – Listen to God, Follow His Direction.
- – God will provide the miracle
- – God keeps his promise
Read back through the story.. what is God saying to you?
Blessings,
JB