Gideon Part 2

If you haven't read the post immediately prior to this one, please pause now to do so. It is a pre-requisite that will allow us to be on the same page as we close out on the story of Gideon.

In the last post, I provided the background on the story of Gideon. The prolonged rebellion of God's people Israel, their return to him after immense suffering and loss and an angel's visit to the chosen one for Israel's deliverance, Gideon. The latter point being where we pick up from:

Judges 6:14-16 “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” “But Lord,” Gideon asked, “how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together.”

After Gideon in previous verses expressing his disappointment at God, he is informed that he is the one chosen to bring the deliverance! What a shocker! Immediately, he states all the valid, truthful reasons why he isn't QUALIFIED for the task ahead. Let's pause right there... How many times have you felt you didn't have enough within and/or without to carry out a task that you know God is telling you to? Or gotten a job that you know wasn't based on your qualifications? Or aced exams that you feared you might fail? Bottom-line is this- God doesn't call us based upon our background or qualifications. Apostle Peter stated it clearly in Acts 10:34- "God is not a respecter of persons" which simply means He doesn't send you on His works because He thinks you're perfect for the job. It is His power going with us when we obey that makes the difference!

After God's reassuring words to Gideon, he proceeds to ask for several signs to ensure that indeed it was the God of their fathers that was giving him this hard task. God, in His love and patience confirms to him each and every time- to put his mind at ease. I argued with my own mind if Gideon was doubting God by asking for signs time and time again. If this was the case- why would God entertain such? James 1:6-7 says: "He who doubts is like waves of the sea that is being driven and tossed by the wind...such a one should not expect to receive anything from the Lord" So clearly, God must not have considered it doubt-for we know He is faithful to His Word. More-so He was so patient with Gideon's process, as we all should strive to be with one another. Also, we are taught in God's word to verify and confirm whatever we consider to be God speaking to us 1 John 4:1 tells us to ensure we "test the spirits, whether they are of God".

The same God that was so reassuring and lovingly patient- but yet firm and focused, is the same today. Gideon cast aside his fears, and dove in to the call with God right there with him every step of the way. Success was attained. Like Gideon, God has called us to tasks that are unique to how we were fashioned by Him. We need not worry that we're not qualified or confident enough, He who called us will GO with us! Therein lies our greatest source of confidence and effectiveness.

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