The Israelites had “done evil in the sight of Lord” and 7 years of invasion/destruction and fear of the Midianites resulted. (See Judges 6:1-40) Yet, God in His merciful forgiveness heard their cry, and sent them help. Gideon was selected to be the one who would lead the nation to victory and deliverance from the Midianites. Gideon did NOT feel like the “mighty warrior” the angel of the Lord had called him. First claiming to be from an insignificant family line, and even the “least” among his family, Gideon continued to give excuse after excuse, and is the one from which the phrase “laying out a fleece before God” is derived. He definitely was not a man of courage or faith, nor did he even have human ambition to do something great for God!
To make the story even more interesting (and kind of humorous), God takes away any “props” that Gideon could rely upon. This is a story of GOD’S power and might, not Gideon’s. The size of the army was pared down to only 300. (See Judges 7:1-25) Nothing about this story is “conventional” in how to pick a leader, or defeat an enemy nation. God’s ways are not our ways, nor are His thoughts our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8)
Have you ever felt like Gideon? When some circumstance is put upon you, some responsibility for which you do not feel equipped to do? I have!! Times when the task itself was daunting enough, but then the “props” I was counting on to help me achieve the task were taken away, one by one. It took me to a “crisis of belief”, when I had to cry out, “Really, Lord?! What are You doing?” My cloud of doubt threatened to destroy the faith and joy I had in God, because nothing made sense. I felt inadequate, unequipped, already “used up and empty”. Yet, the task was still there. I had not been relieved of the duty; because God wanted to show me HIS ability in my inability. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6)
There is not a formula of how God works, His ways are not our ways. It isn’t appropriate to jump into something weird or unwise because we want to show everyone God’s power in us. No, I am referring to situations that have been given serious prayer consideration, and counsel by other Christians you respect and trust; only then, do you step out in faith. At this point, it is your task (and mine) to stay close to the Lord and His word, and daily trust Him for the strength, wisdom, and guidance to faithfully obey. In this, HE will receive the glory and it will be about HIS power and might!
The picture selected for this entry, lists many words that describe emotions we may feel. Any of which could be the reason we would not be willing to override the doubt we feel. God’s word gives us the truth, wisdom, and light needed when the cloud of doubt darkens our understanding. Getting to know this God, the LORD of hosts, is how we can walk in faith and not sight. Knowing Him to be mighty, all-powerful, all-knowing, and also the compassionate and merciful God that He is, is how we come out from under the cloud of doubt, into the sunlight of faith and joy!
Dear Lord, Help me in those times I doubt. “I believe, help my unbelief!” I know that in my weakness, You are strong, but sometimes it’s hard to be willing to walk that path. It’s hard not to feel the strength for tomorrow, because You want me to trust each day for that day’s strength! Thank you that I can openly and honestly come to You, with all my thoughts and doubts, and You promise to grant me wisdom. (James 1:5) Thank you that You are compassionate with me, when I need assurance. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.