When God Told Gideon to "Go!" Gideon said, "Are you sure?"
The Uncertainty of Belief
For some, belief seems to come easily—or does it?
Gideon was a man who struggled with belief. As he struggled, God repeatedly came through—building trust. As a result, Gideon's faith grew, and he was able to do greater and greater things.
A major theme in the Bible is how people respond when God speaks to them. Gideon lived in politically turbulent time. When God called him into action, it took time for Gideon to trust that God help him do what he needed to do next.
Gideon questioned, "Why?"
The first time God called Gideon into action, Gideon looked at the greatness of the people who were oppressing him, and he said, "but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?" and then continued to argue with the Lord about victory being possible.
God Answered Gideon
God gave him a sign: spontaneous fire consumed his offering.
Then he gave Gideon a smaller quest: Tear down that altar to Baal and create an altar to God. Death threats and uncertainty for his safety followed, but God followed through and gave him victory.
The Warrior was Sent to Victory
God provided multiple signs, and still Gideon was doubtful. "Gideon said to God, 'Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request.'" –Judges 6:39. God sent several signs, reassuring him along his way, and he experienced victory in his battles. Have you ever struggled to believe God? What does this tell you about God's willingness to entertain your disbelief?
Takeaways
How do we apply accounts of ancient times to our lives? Here are some takeaways to draw from:
A Different Time
We live in an amazingly safe society. How was Gideon's political climate different from ours? How was it the same? What surprises you?
God's Attributes
How did God respond to Gideon when he didn't believe? This gives you insight into God's response to honest protests of disbelief.
Different Situations
We may not be facing "battles," but sometimes interpersonal conflicts are hard. What can you take away from this and apply to your life?
A Trajectory of Belief
Whether it's belief in morality or faith in what God says, "agreement" and "belief" are separated by action. Look at the chart below. Where do you land? Where did Gideon land during different situations?
Professing belief but no follow through: Agreement might be there, but actions reveal true belief isn't present. And yikes! Honest reflection is absent too.
You say you don't believe, and there's no follow through: At least you're honest!
You say you don't believe and confess uncertainty: An honest standpoint. Belief isn't a certainty—you might be on your way toward or away from belief.
You say you don't believe, but you do follow through: You're struggling with belief, but your actions show you still value the belief.
You say you believe and you follow through:You're a true believer.
This passage indicates that if you share your doubts and concerns,
God can handle your fear, worry, and disbelief.
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