Then Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said, behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said.” And it was so. When he rose early next morning and squeezed the fleece, he wrung enough dew from the fleece to fill a bowl with water. Judges 6:36-38
Judges 6 is the beginning of the story of Gideon. The ‘Angel of the Lord’ CLEARLY appears to Gideon and comes with a clear message for Gideon. But the message is met with Gideon’s doubts, with him citing all of Israel’s dire circumstances. But with even the Lord’s strong encouraging language and calling Gideon a “mighty man of valor”, and a promise of divine empowerment – Gideon still wants further ‘confirmation’. It seems God calls unlikely individuals to fulfil His redemptive purposes, again and again.
So, Gideon began with the angel’s first instructions – but he does it in the dark of the night hoping no one would see. Gideon’s fear was obvious, even of his own family finding out, so he used other men to help him carry out the orders of destroying the idols and alter of Baal. Well… when the town’s people found out the next morning and their threats began. Then you see one of the rare times where the “Spirit of the Lord” ‘clothed’ an individual / Gideon. And when that happened to Gideon what did he do? He blew the trumpet and he sent out messengers. That was a clear clarion call of what the Lord wanted. What exactly is the “Spirit of the Lord”? Plainly – it is the Holy Spirit. Someone who comes to ‘help’ EVERY New Testament follower of Jesus Christ. This IS the New Covenant. Our “Helper” is what each of us need. When He comes and ‘inspires’ you, and empowers you …what does He through you? Have you ever experienced Him in that way?
Even after that ‘clothing’ by the Spirit of the Lord …Gideon STILL questions God. This is when the ‘fleece’ test enters the scene. And God …in His patience does what Gideon asks. I am humbled by my own doubts and fears when God asks me to step out in faith. I have asked God to ‘confirm’ His instructions and direction to me, over and over. I too have used types of ‘fleece’ tests. And then when God comes through, being ever patient with me, my heart is still tested with fears and doubts from myself and others. Walking out God’s instructions and directions to us personally …which ALWAYS require His faith, is never easy. And like Gideon we still question God’s instructions – almost all along the way through the process.
Personal prayer…
Father… forgive me for my doubts and fears. Help me Holy Spirit. Clothe me with Your power and love. I so want to be faithful to Your call Jesus my King, my Friend. My life isn’t mine but Yours. Help me… Lord! I want to hear Your instructions and directions … clearly. It is obvious to me that You see me differently than how I see myself. You created me for Your purposes – help me realize what those are. Help me walk into that path with confidence in You! Lord may all my efforts to follow You bring You glory and joy.