Gideon – We Must Be Related
When we last left Gideon, he was called on by God to lead the people of Israel against their enemy, the Midianites. As discussed before, Gideon was not exactly a “go-getter”. In fact, Gideon was hiding from the enemy. He was certainly not confronting them. He was avoiding the problem. Hoping it would not affect him directly.
Well God eventually got Gideon’s attention and supposedly convinced him of what it was that He wanted of Gideon. But, as we are about to see, that wasn’t completely true. This is where Gideon and I must be related. Check out our focus scripture for this post:
“And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said, Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said.” Judges 6:36-37
As we see from the scripture, Gideon was not completely sold on God’s plan. He had a considerable amount of doubt. In fact, he doubted what he was hearing so much that he asked God for a sign. A confirmation. Now, I will be the first to say that I also have pulled a Gideon many times. Check out my previous posts telling about our adoption process. I know exactly how Gideon felt. God comes to us with a plan and in our minds we have no idea how it can work. We cannot visualize ourselves performing the duties that God has asked of us. Gideon, who was found hiding in a winepress to thresh grain, could not see himself as this mighty military leader. I, a simple country boy from Pontotoc, could not see myself hopping the globe to provide a stranger’s child a home. Gideon and I had/have limited vision. We cannot see across space and time like God. We are self limiting. We sell ourselves short. We think there is no way. We often say, “God you are wrong.” “I cannot do that.” “I am too weak. I am too poor. Nobody will listen to me. Nobody will follow me. Nobody will read what I have to write.”
What did God do to Gideon for his doubt? Did He strike him dead? Did He cast him out? Did He write him off? Nope. He answered his request. Not only did He answer Gideon’s request, but He answered it with authority! When Gideon awoke the next morning, not only was the fleece wet with dew, but it was soaked! Gideon had to wring it out and it filled a bowl full of water! God wanted Gideon to have no doubts. So obviously that was it. Gideon rushed right out and led the Israelites to victory. Not hardly. Once again, Gideon is my brother. he asked for another sign. Just to be sure.
This time Gideon asked for the fleece to be dry and the ground to be wet. I would love to have seen God’s face. I’m not sure if God has ever given someone an eye roll, but He may have come real close right here. Did God get mad? Nope. He did as Gideon asked. The next morning, Gideon got up and it was exactly as he had asked of God. The wool was dry and the ground was wet. Gideon finally give in. He could not argue with God. He knew God was with him and that God would see him through.
I have often heard preachers say that we should never question God. While I understand that they are probably saying we should have faith and follow blindly, but I don’t believe asking God questions is a bad thing if done for the right reason. God did not rebuke Gideon. He did not punish Gideon. He fulfilled every request from Gideon. I believe He did so because He knew that Gideon just wanted to be sure about God calling on him. If we are truly seeking God’s will, I think God honors our questions and requests. Now if we are simply trying to rebel or come up with excuses like Gideon started with, we are not going to get far with God. It took me a while to give in to what God wanted of me, but I am so glad He didn’t give up. I would have missed a lifetime of blessings that could never have been replaced. I am thankful that he fulfilled my requests like Gideon. I will be honest, I don’t know that I could have taken that step of faith without it.