I love the story in Judges 6 where God called Gideon to save the Israelites from the land of Midian. Gideon was the weakest of his clan from the weakest clan, yet God chose to use him for a powerful leadership role for God’s people. You might read the story again HERE.
Consider a small part of Gideon’s conversation with angel of the Lord:
(I’ve embellished the story a bit to illustrate the way I view the story. My embellishment is in parenthesis.)
“The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor”
“Well, please sir…(I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but) 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…”
Imagine the scene. An angel shows up, which was usually a pretty scary part of the story, but instead of reacting in surprise, Gideon respectfully questions where God has been lately. He’s not disrespectful, but he is gut honest with the concerns he has with God.
Do you ever wonder where God is when life seems to be falling apart?
Do you ever question God’s involvement when He seems to be nowhere around?
Do you ever think things may never improve?
Gideon had those type questions, and he didn’t cover them up with phony praise, he let his concerns be known.
Yet God’s angel didn’t curse Gideon. Instead, God used Gideon, in spite of his doubts and fears.
“The Lord said to him, but I will be with you…” Judges 6:16 God simply pointed Gideon back to the faith he originally had in Him. That was not the end of Gideon’s fear or questioning, but it was the beginning of his journey back to complete faith.
Perhaps instead of continuing in our own doubts and fears, you and I should get gut honest with God. Maybe we should tell Him how we really feel. I’m not suggesting we become flippant towards a Holy God. That’s never a good idea. I’m suggesting we be honest with the God who already knows our heart and allow Him to restore our faith and strengthen us for the journey ahead. That often begins when we become real with God with who we are, who we are not, and who He is.
God uses people who are willing to humbly surrender their insufficiencies; their doubts and fears, to His sufficiency.
By the way, He knows your heart because He made your heart.
How are you at being honest with God?
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I am in a very bad spiritual state and am tormented by demons. Reading your post today was priceless! please PRAY FOR ME!
Praying for you
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I'm also struck by how merciful God was with Gideon's doubts. He allowed Gideon to test him twice with the fleece. Then on top of that, God let Gideon hear the Midianite soldiers talking about a dream they had where Gideon conquered them.
Yes, good thoughts. Thank you!
I approach Him like this every day. If You want me to really love my wife unconditionally (Eph 25:5), why does she break my heart every day? Shouldn't You be working in her heart to give me the respect that I deserve (Eph 5:23)? If that's what You really want from me, then why do I feel like such a fool every day? When I screwed up I felt convicted and "punished", but now that You've turned me around completely, I still feel, after three long years, like I am being "punished"; like no matter what I do or pray it's never right or enough; Lord, what's up with that?
This is my favorite subject. Thanks for taking the time to discuss that,
I really feel strongly about it and also love learning more on that topic.
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Twitter: Michaelenichols
says:
Great thoughts, Ron. Love your recommendation to open up and tell God how you really feel. He knows and understands!
Thanks Michael
Twitter: tijuanabecky
says:
Been kind of learning the same thing here. Not necessarily getting gut level with God but falling on your knees and turning to him when you need him to fill you up or put him back where he should be at the center. Great post!
Thank you!
A perfect thing to read today, as I am in the process of wanting to talk over so much with God.
Thanks Kelly.
Sigh .. . a great reminder! Thank you!
Thanks
Twitter: _thomasmason
says:
This is a timely article, something I’ve needed to hear and something I need to apply to my heart. Thank you so much.
Thanks. God bless you as you seek Him.
I have to say, I have done this on many occasions.
There were times God took the time to remind me, it's okay! I'm right here, this is what we started doing and why.
Other times……. He took the time to remind me He was God, not me me! Time to trust, or hush! He is a great Father! A soft hand when needed, but not afraid to use a hard hand when and where necessary.
Good thoughts. Thank you.
Love this, except for the lump it gave me in my throat. Thanks- Blessed Sunday to you, Pastor Ron.
Thanks Cheryl.