A Scared Young Man
The second lesson is that God is patient with His people when they have a lack of faith.
Gideon was commissioned by God Himself to take on the Midianites and was promised victory against them because God was with them. Yet, at each turn, Gideon displayed a lack of faith. This is especially evident in the account of the fleece. Gideon had known, or should have known the history of his people; a history of God keeping is promises to His people.
How many of you have ever heard the phrase “put out the fleece” in order to discern God’s will for their lives?
I’ve heard it for many years.
Gideon, at that time, needed a little bit more assurance and God granted that assurance. We can be a little hard on Gideon, but we must remember that other Biblical characters, such as Moses and John the Baptist, asked for a little bit more assurance. Their request was granted by a gracious and patient God, who makes promises and keeps them.
The apostle Peter reminds us,
“By these He has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires” (II Peter 1:4, HCSB).
When we are facing a difficult situation and we are unsure, God wants us to remember His word and His promises instead of doubt. This is a goal to which we must all work, including me.
Next Week: Enter the warrior
Mark Riser - Apologist 