Gideon: A Lesson in Trusting God’s Call

Have you ever felt like God was calling you to do something, but you doubted your ability to do it?

Have you ever wondered why God would choose you, when there are so many others who seem more qualified, more talented, more confident, more attractive, more educated, more experienced, or more anything than you?

If you have, you are not alone. Many people in the Bible struggled with the same feelings of inadequacy and insecurity when God called them to fulfill His purposes.

One of them was Gideon, a judge and a mighty man of war in Israel

Who was Gideon?
Gideon was the youngest of a poor family from the tribe of Manasseh. He lived in a time when Israel was oppressed by the Midianites, a nomadic and huge group of people who depleted Israel’s supplies.

The Israelites had turned away from God and worshipped idols, so God allowed their enemies to harass them for seven years.

One day, as Gideon was hiding from the Midianites and threshing wheat in a winepress, an angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!”

Gideon was surprised and skeptical. He asked the angel, “If the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us?

And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.”

The angel replied, “Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?”

Gideon still doubted. He said, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.”

The Lord assured him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.”

How did Gideon trust God?
Gideon was not convinced right away. He asked for several signs from God to confirm his call.

First, he asked the angel to perform a miracle with fire and a rock. Then, he asked God to put dew on a fleece he laid out instead of on the ground. Then, he asked for the opposite, a dry fleece and wet ground. Then, once more, the opposite.

Some might say that Gideon was testing God or lacking faith. But God was patient and gracious with him.

God understood his fears and doubts, and He gave him the signs he requested. God also gave him another sign, by letting him overhear a dream of a Midianite soldier that predicted Israel’s victory.

God also did something unexpected. He reduced the size of Gideon’s army from 32,000 men to 300 men.

He did this to show Gideon and the Israelites that the victory was not by their own strength, but by His power.

He did this to prevent them from boasting or glorying in themselves, but to give Him all the praise and honor.

He did this to teach them to trust Him completely and to obey Him fully.

With 300 men, armed with trumpets, jars, and torches, Gideon followed God’s instructions and attacked the Midianite camp at night.

The Midianites were thrown into confusion and panic, and they fled in all directions. Gideon and his men pursued them and defeated them.

The Israelites rejoiced and wanted to make Gideon their king. But Gideon refused and said, “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the Lord will rule over you.”

He recognized that God was the true King and Savior of Israel, and he dedicated the spoils of war to God.

What can we learn from Gideon?
Gideon’s story is a lesson in trusting God’s call. It shows us that God can use anyone, no matter how weak, insignificant, or unworthy they may feel, to accomplish His great plans.

It shows us that God is not limited by our limitations, but He can overcome them by His power. It shows us that God is not looking for our abilities, but our availability.

It shows us that God is not impressed by our achievements, but our obedience.

God is calling each one of us to do something for His glory. He has created us for a purpose, and He has equipped us with gifts, talents, and resources to fulfill it.

He has not called us because of our strengths, but in spite of our weaknesses. He does not want us to flash glory into His presence, but to reflect His glory to the world.

He wants us to rely on His strength, not our own. He wants us to follow His voice, not our own.

If you feel like God is calling you to do something, but you doubt your ability to do it, remember Gideon. Remember that God is with you, and He will never leave you nor forsake you.

Remember that God is for you, and He will fight for you and with you. Remember that God is in you, and He will empower you and enable you to do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

Do not ignore God’s call. Do not let your fears and doubts stop you. Do not compare yourself with others or look at your circumstances.

Do not limit God by your own expectations or understanding. Do not hesitate or procrastinate. Do not give up or give in.

Trust God’s call. Respond to God’s call. Obey God’s call. Fulfill God’s call.

And watch God do amazing things through you and for you.

I hope this article helps you. If you need any further assistance, please let me know. 😊

1: Who was Gideon in the Bible? | Bibleinfo.com

2: Who Was Gideon in the Bible? His Story and Significance - Christianity

3: Judges 6:1-10

4: Judges 6:12-13

5: Judges 6:14

: Judges 6:15

: Judges 6:16

: Judges 6:17-21

: Judges 6:36-37

: Judges 6:38-39

: Judges 6:40

: Judges 7:9-15

: Judges 7:1-8

: Judges 7:16-25

: Judges 8:23

: Judges 8:24-27