The Sign Of The Fleece: God's Grace & Our Doubts

[This devotional is based upon Judges 6:36-40]

First, and most importantly we should pray to our Father in Heaven before studying his word. Take a moment to pray that God uses His Holy Spirit to reveal his word to us. Pray that the Holy Spirit guides us, and helps us interpret the scriptures accurately, in the way that God intended us to.

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The Sign of the Fleece

36 Then Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said, 37 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.” 38 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. 39 Then Gideon said to God, “Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more. Please let me test just once more with the fleece. Please let it be dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground let there be dew.” 40 And God did so that night; and it was dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground there was dew. [English Standard Version]

(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges%206%3A36-40&version=ESV)

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Before we start digging into this passage, we need context and background information.

Israel was in a state of oppression by the hand of Midian. God allowed this oppression because Israel had done what was evil in God's eyes. Midian oppressed Israel for seven years. The Israelites would plant crops, then the Midianites would swoop in and destroy the produce from the crops. Israelites were living in poverty because of Midian. This situation caused the Israelites to call on The Lord Our God. They cried out to the Lord about the Midianites. The Lord was [and still is] gracious enough to send them a prophet [even though they already had four before Gideon]. The Lord reminded the Israelites that he brought them out of slavery in Egypt and gave them land, and they still disobeyed. The Lord called on Gideon to be the next prophet [judge]. Gideon needed proof that he was the one God wanted. The Angel of the Lord directed Gideon to gather meat, unleavened bread, and broth, place the meat and unleavened bread on a stone and pour the broth on top. The Angel of The Lord took the extended tip of the staff that was in his hand and touched the meat and unleavened bread. Fire came up from the rock and consumed the meat and unleavened bread. The Angel of The Lord disappeared. Gideon proceeded to build an altar of the Lord there. That evening, The Lord instructed Gideon to destroy his father's young bull, the second bull [seven years old], the altar of Baal, and the pole of Asherah beside it. Gideon did his at night because he was afraid of the men in the city. That morning the men of the city found out what Gideon did, and they were angry. God took control of the situation and brought people in to help Gideon (Judges 6:1-35)

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Let's take a moment to process what we just learned, and reread Judges 6:36-40 [The Sign Of The Fleece]. You would think by now Gideon would believe God would never leave him nor forsake him. Just like us, Gideon was still having doubts. God had already shown Gideon once by the fleece. He was able to fill a bowl of water. Gideon needed God to do that sign one more time for him to believe.

God did it for him, no questions asked. God provided Gideon with three signs of his promise and faithfulness: (1) sending his help after the men in the city were upset that he destroyed their false gods, (2) soaking the fleece that filled a bowl, (3) God kept the fleece dry while the ground was wet.

It would be too easy to judge Gideon. Most would think, even after the first and second signs, that should have been enough to believe. We have no reason ourselves to turn a side-eye to him. When most of us need signs, traffic lights, etc to believe God for his promises. Gideon needed something from God, that we as humans seek in each other: reassurance. God was gracious towards Gideon. He already knew what was inside of Gideon's heart. God knew from the beginning Gideon was going to have doubts. God Knew.

Gideon is similar to Moses in this situation. Moses thought he would not be able to deliver the Israelites out of Egypt because he couldn't speak. By God's grace, He sent Aaron with him [Exodus 6:28-7:7]. Gideon's faith was shaky. God did not penalize him for that. Just like Gideon, we deal with shaky faith, and the doubt that is the result of it. When Gideon asked God not to be angry [asking for a third sign], that is evidence that Gideon did have a level of fear of God. He seemed to lack in knowledge a bit. He is a God that keeps promises.

God has already shown Gideon twice before that He was there for him. Gideon was allowing his lack of faith to doubt the Lord who saved him, from the men in his city. Thankfully, we serve a God who is slow to anger [Psalm 103:8, Exodus 34:6, 2 Peter 3:9]. God allowed Gideon to test Him again. As I said before, God knew the state of Gideon's heart and faith.

God's grace towards us is out of his love and favor. His grace fills our doubtful areas. His grace fills the area in which we lack faith. God's grace allows us to grow despite our mistakes. Our salvation is possible through his grace, and through faith, we are saved by Jesus Christ. His grace allowed Gideon to have a safe space for his doubt. God is your safe space

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A doubting Christian is not necessarily a bad Christian. How you handle your doubt is what matters. Your doubt can lead to a deepen faith if handled properly.

Here are some practical ways to help ease your season of doubt:

• Read your Bible despite how you feel

  • "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" [Romans 10:17]

• Pray

  • "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" [Philippians 4:6-7]

• Worship Him

  • "All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name" [Psalm 66:4]

  • We have several worship playlists. The playlists can be located on Spotify. Our Spotify is linked to our website.

• Stay connected to your local church.

  • "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near" [Hebrews 10:24-25]

• Reach out to someone at your church for discipleship or mentorship.

  • "And Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always to the end of the age" [Matthew 28:18-20]

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There is no timeline for your season of doubt. Through the doubt keep your eyes, ears, heart, and thoughts focused on Jesus. The enemy loves to attack us the hardest in our weakest moments. Here is the beauty of it all, God Knows. He won't leave you in that state forever. God already knows us. He made us. God wants you to know Him. Take this season of doubt with motivation and get into your word. Write down every character trait you find about our Father in Heaven. Here are some:

• He is our Peace [John 14:27]

• He is our Healer [1 Peter 2:24]

• He is our Love [1 John 4:8]

• He is our Strength [Psalm 81:1]

Application

Water, tender love, and care can grow a strong crop. Which, can result in a plentiful harvest. So, feed your faith, not your doubts! How do you feed your faith amid doubt?