I suspect many of us will identify with Gideon in this morning’s reading. He was a man with all the same tendencies each of us have.
(I hope you have taken time to read Gideon’s story in the book of Judges.)
He was between a rock and a hard place, literally, when the Lord found him. He had a personal encounter with God and it changed his life. He wanted to serve the Lord with every fiber of his being.
He tore down the town’s worship center to a false god, he killed his father’s prize ox, he angered his neighbors, they wanted to kill him and now the surrounding nations had gathered to attack. He called his countrymen to battle but now what?
If you were in Gideon’s place what would you do?
Gideon got honest with God!
“The Lord’s Spirit took control of Gideon, and Gideon blew a trumpet as a signal for the men in the Abiezer clan to follow him. 35 He also sent messengers to the tribes of Manasseh, Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, telling the men of these tribes to come and join his army. Then they set out toward the enemy camp.
36-37 Gideon prayed to God, “I know that you promised to help me rescue Israel, but I need proof.” Judges 6:34-37 CEV
Lord, I need proof! I can just hear the conversation, because it’s one I have voiced on a number of occasions. “I know you said I would deliver Israel from our enemies Lord, but remember just last week I was in the winepress threshing grain. I’m not an experienced warrior, in fact, I’m not really even a very good farmer. But…you told me to calm down, not to fear so here I am but, I need proof that You are really going with me on this”.
“… And that’s just what happened. Early the next morning, Gideon got up and checked … 39 But Gideon prayed to God again. “Don’t be angry with me,” Gideon said. “Let me try this just one more time, so I’ll really be sure you’ll help me. Only this time, let the skin be dry and the stone floor be wet.” Judges 6:38-39 CEV
And that’s just what happened, again.
The Lord loves an honest heart. He is a loving Father and wants His kids to trust Him. He wants us to be confident in Him and His word. It’s that confidence, (faith and trust), that drives out fear.
The Lord gave His word to Gideon and He wanted Gideon to know that He was going to follow through with His promise.
And that’s how He wants us to be, confident in Him.
” Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. 8 Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks.
9 Would any of you give your hungry child a stone, if the child asked for some bread?…11 As bad as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give good things to people who ask.” Matthew 7:7-11 CEV
Be honest with our Father; He’s waiting to show us His goodness.