The story of Gideon (Judges 6-7)

God uses the weak things of the earth to confound the strong (1 Cor 27).  Gideon is a case in point; his family was  the least in Manasseh  and he was the youngest (5:15).  God did not look at his current situation, but the potential Gideon has to defeat the Midianites (6:14).  Likewise in life, we shouldn't be looking at the failures of our kids in school but guide them along with proper instruction and values to help them realise their full potential.

God instructed Gideon to tear down his father's altar, as that was a stumbling block to the victory He was about to accomplish.  Because of his fear of God, Gideon did what he was told.  However, because of his fear of men, he did it at night (6:25-27).  Often times the battle in the natural is predicated on the battle in the supernatural.  Once the idolatrous spirit has been bound and the Lord enthroned in His rightful place, victory is easily secured.

Next came the anointing of God upon Gideon (6:34), empowering him to lead the Israelites into battle. We note that Gideon had his doubts and hence he tested God through the signs of the fleece (6:36-40).  It can only be God's supernatural working when the fleece is wet for one and dry for the other occasion.  In our desperation, we may 'test' God nowadays by promising to do certain things if He answers our prayer for certain needs.  Jephthah learned a painful lesson when he made a tragic vow to the Lord (Jud 11:29-40).

God didn't want Gideon to rely on the arm of flesh lest the people become conceited (7:2).  He whittled Gideon's army down from 32,000 to 300 men, which was less than 1% of his original force.  With 300 men, God said that He would deliver Israel from the hands of the Midianites (7:7).  But God also knew the fear in Gideon's heart and assured him with yet another sign to confirm that victory is theirs (7:10-15). Indeed, by the testimony of two or three witnesses, every word shall be established (Dt 19:15).  In every major decision that we are making, we need to seek confirmation and not rely on just one word spoken.

When Gideon heard the word of confirmation that God would deliver Israel, he bowed down in worship (7:15).  That's the kind of posture we should adopt in any venture we undertake.  God must have given Gideon the battle strategies to defeat the enemy (7:16-20).  As we acknowledge His lordship over our lives, He will do the battle on our behalf.  We just need to stand and see the deliverance of the Lord taking place on our behalf (7:21-22).

In many  ways, we can identify with Gideon - his fears and insecurities.  We may also put God to the test.  But more often than not, God is gracious towards us and would come to aid us in our hour of need.  He is never too slow nor too early, but on time!  So wait patiently for the Lord (Ps 40:1).