When we read Judges 6, we see Gideon having a low moment. We find this youngest son from the weakest tribe crouching in the winepress trying to thresh wheat in secret, so the mighty Midianite army won’t get a whiff of his harvest and swoop down to steal it. All of Israel was feeling abandoned by God and their hearts were confused and resentful. Every time they tried to get back up, they were gleefully knocked down by some neighboring pagan army. God’s chosen people wondered if He had given up on them and chosen someone else to love, protect, and set apart for Himself.
But Israel wasn’t down because God had forgotten them. They were hiding in caves because they had stubbornly and persistently chased after evil for many years. They had established traditions and patterns that avoided God altogether. The paths they walked in their homes and in their towns led them in the ways of wickedness. They were in a rut, and it’s hard to look up and figure your way out of habitual sin.
It takes something dramatic to turn our hearts back toward God.
Gideon was trudging his sweaty rut like the rest of Israel when an angel of the Lord appeared to him. Why would an angel appear to him? It wasn’t because Gideon was the one honorable man among thousands; it was because God’s time was right to raise up a leader in Israel. It is God who marks the seasons, who raises up leaders, and who brings down empires. “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor over it in vain” (Psalm 127:1). All other planning and plotting is futile.
I’ve never had to hide from an army, but I have had some low moments. I’m sure many of us can remember feeling confused and resentful at some point. In spite of our doubts and ruts—and the habitual trails that lead us to wickedness—God can lift us up to victory with Him. Gideon didn’t just decide to grit his teeth and pitch his military plan to the leaders. God chose him, called him, and promised him victory to “strike Midian down as if it were one man” (Judges 6:16).
Whatever your circumstances may be today, don’t let them scare you. Don’t let the worn pathways of sin lure you into hopelessness. Don’t be deceived by the voices that tell you that your sin is too great, that your habits can never be broken. Our God can rescue and redeem even the most lost. He is light in the deepest night. Run to the One who controls the sea and the stars, and trust Him with your darkest secrets.
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47 thoughts on "The Lord Calls Gideon"
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This touched my heart in such a way. My walk with god has not been easy as I have fallen away from him multiple times. But I do believe God can Save! I’m so glad we have a God that loves us unconditionally❤️
KAT D-thank you. I agree with your understanding of Gideon trying to discern things. Makes more sense to think if it that way, rather than a testing. ❤️
Judges 6:15 “but I will be with you” the lord said to him. I love this verse because when I’m in a challenge or struggle sometimes I forget God is there with me
I needed this.
Amen!
MICHELLE PATIRE – in my life as a chaplain, I had several people ask me if they would see their dog in heaven. I can’t say I know the answer to that – it didn’t come up in Seminary. After thinking about it and praying for what God would have me say, I told them that when we get to heaven, if it is important to us to have our dog there, they will be there. I say the same to you: if you still want to see your dog when you get to heaven, I’m sure she will be there. I’m praying for you in your grief. I have found that grief over a pet can be nearly as devastating as grief for a family member. God knows your broken heart, and He is there, holding and loving you, and comforting you as you grieve.
Judges 6 narrates a crucial period in the history of Israel, an era of oppression, doubt, faith, and ultimately, divine intervention. The chapter unfolds the tale of Gideon, a man of humble origins, who rises from the threshing floor to become a judge of Israel under God’s divine guidance. It outlines the Israelites’ plight under Midianite oppression due to their disobedience, their cry for deliverance, the calling of Gideon, his tests of faith, and his preparation for war against the oppressors.
In reading the comments about “testing” and why God “allowed it”: God doesn’t want us to be deceived by the enemy. Asking “Is it You, God?” is different than asking “Can you do this?”
I don’t view the asking for signs as a lack of trust in God, as I believe that he knows the stories about what God has done in the past. He is questioning whether the voice is God’s or the enemy’s. It is a request for helping him discern the truth of it being from the one true God. A two step verification process is not a bad thing, but a way to discern true identity.
Praying for you!
Happy Friday ladies!! I’m heading out of town to celebrate my birthday with friends! Praying for you all. @RHONDA J – praying for your neck feels better. I hate getting migraines so I feel your pain.
Amen and Amen
The devo today hit home for me: “Don’t be deceived by voices that tell you your sin habits can’t be broken”. I am struggling in my marriage. Years of resentment have formed a callus around my heart towards my husband. And although he is trying, and is not the same person as before, I still find myself responding to him in my old patterns. Like the “ruts of sin” she talked about in the devo. I just default to anger and resentment and I found the need to confess this and repent. Please pray for God to give me the power to break these sin habits and soften my heart towards my husband. Thx ladies!
Amen Mercy! So good, thank you! I copied and pasted in my digital journey!
I highly recommend reading He Reads Truth for today! It really spoke of how the sin pattern is still happening in today’s world (over-all, in Israel, and our individual lives)!
Very encouraging to remember no matter your circumstances that God is always with us and always for us!
Many times I could fall victim to the same thoughts as Gideon, but I am the weakest in my father’s house, and my father’s house is the weakest in the whole family line, blah blah. BUT GOD, he chooses whom He pleases, for a purpose and a time like this, to raise one up for a mighty revolution. Sometimes we need to get over ourselves to say yes to God’s calling, because whom He chooses, He will clothe them with strength, solutions and alliance. Lord, please help me/ us to align our thoughts today for any tasks ahead of us. Overcoming fear takes practice, may You give us grace as You have given Gideon. I am so encouraged by stories like one of Gideon. That’s why the Bible makes me very happy whenever I read. It is just revitalizing on every aspect. One step at a time, Gideon got over his weaknesses and cooperated with God out of obedience and reverence for the Most High. Many times reminder to self is necessary that the grace of God towards us is sufficient for all the tasks He calls us to do (And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work -2 Corinthians 9:8). Today I was also moved that Gaza was mentioned as in the day of Gideon, and our today news. The loop of recurring events are living themselves out from this Book of Prophecy. Looking at the current state of Israel, this verse comes to mind, thank you Holy Spirit, “That which is has been already, and that which will be has already been, for God seeks what has passed by” (Ecclesiastes 3:15). Our God, the Ancient of Days always seeks what has passed by, may we seek the same, knowing His heart and His tendency, so that we might know how to count our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom. Saying prayers for you shes. Be blessed dear sisters.
I couldn’t help but notice that Gaza is mentioned in today’s reading. What a lonnggg relationship God has had with Israel, full of many downs and ups. He is so long-suffering and patient, always ready to help when asked. Such a wonderful Father we have!
“If you are truly going to help me, show me a sign to prove that it is really the Lord speaking to me.” (v.17)
This kind of goes back to Eden, doesn’t it? Will God really do what he has said He will do?
My goodness, we humans are a distrustful lot! Gideon would have had accounts of God’s rescue of His people from Egypt, the miracles as they journeyed through the wilderness, the battles won for the promised land.
And us modern day believers! We have the entire Bible which includes accounts of Jesus raising people from the dead, including himself!
But I still say “If you are truly going to help me…..”.
My sin clouds my view of the Father so much that even with all these miraculous accounts and professions of love and repeated acts of rescue, I still question if that could really be for me too.
But I think each of us has our own stories of God clearing a path, of His perfect timing, of sudden peace of heart in a storm. I am humbled today and challenged to remember. And I give thanks and worship Him!
Sometimes I post before reading any comments from the community. Otherwise I get distracted and forget what I wanted to say.
So many good thoughts and takeaways today. (Honestly, most days). @ Cee Gee. The struggle with technology is real! Haha.
Just like Gideon I have had many of the same questions that he asks. “If the Lord is with me why has all this happened?” “Where is all the wonders and miracles I’ve heard so much about?” “Why has He abandoned me?” “How can He want me?!”
On and on it goes. Sounds way too familiar for comfort. Then right there at the beginning in Isaiah 25 every question falls into place. “Lord, you are my God: I will exalt you. I will praise your name, for you have accomplished wonders, plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness.”
Settle down Cindy. God’s got this.
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Amen!
GM She’s!
Yes, yes, and yes to all of your comments! It’s amazing how you can read through scripture without really getting the gist of it until you “study” it! That’s where SRT has been so pivotal for me! It brings the sentences and paragraphs into a story and meaning. (not trying to demean God’s word, it’s just hard to understand sometimes, or we read through without pondering!) All your comments add to the understanding and how it is living and breathing in our lives RIGHT now! Also in the land of Israel, it is surreal. Thank you Lord for opening our eyes to see, to understand that you are moving and working in our world and lives at ALL times! Let us not get complacent Lord, help us to be courageous in a time that belittles you and your word! YOU Heavenly Father are our rock and foundation. We praise you and love you Lord!
Have a great Friday and great Wkd! Thank you for lifting the ladies in jail up to the Father! If you could say a quick prayer for me, my poor neck, I slept wrong 2 nights ago and can barely move my head, and gave me a migraine yesterday and prevented me from moving off the couch! It is still bad today! thank you! :)
The thing I often struggle with is knowing if I am hearing from God or being deceived. I guess I can relate to Gideon and his throwing a fleece for the Lord x2. I pray that I would be able to discern God’s will and direction for my life.
From your eyes ***
Each morning when I pray, I ask the Holy Spirit, to open up my eyes, ears and heart that I may know whom I’m hearing. Have a blest weekend.
Psalm 33:16-17 “No king is saved by the multitude of an army;
A mighty man is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a vain hope for safety; Neither shall it deliver any by its great strength.”
I’ve been thinking of this verse as I read Judges the past two days. The nations kept putting their faith in their resources. As I read Isaiah 25, it says God brings the fortified city to ruin. In a moment, Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. In a moment, war can destroy a city. We see that happening literally today. In a day, the Lord can bring the plans of the people to nothing.
Why do I think my resources can save me? I keep putting my trust in my own ability to do what only God can do. It frustrates me, my own unbelief. Lord, have mercy on me.
Isaiah 25:8 also comforts me. He will wipe every tear from my eye. I keep asking God, “Will we see our dog in heaven? And like with Gideon, He doesn’t need to entertain my questions. Gideon asks why there is trouble for Israel if God is who He says He is (Judges 6:13). Instead of giving him an explanation, He tells him to go fight against the Midianites.
It just shows me God is God and His ways aren’t like ours. He doesn’t need to entertain our every doubt and question. He asks for our faith in Him and supplies us what we need to walk it out. Preaching to myself as I write. God keeps saying, “I will wipe all your tears from my eyes” every time I ask about our dog. He doesn’t need to give me the specifics. And that tends to be His answer for all my suffering.
Anyways. This has been a mentally tough week for a number of reasons. I pray for God’s mercy as I continue to obey Him. Grace and peace to you all.
I really am appreciating this study. Who would have thought? If God can speak to Gideon, He can speak to me and through me.
My NLT study Bible has a map at the beginning of Judges that shows where things were in Old Testament times and where the borders are now. I’m thankful for helpful things like that.
I am keeping you all and your requests in prayer. Have a blessed weekend dear Sisters. ❤️
When I saw that we could be reading about Gideon today it made me smile. I just helped my 7 year old grandson write a speech about Gideon that he had to recite at their history celebration this past Monday. I have heard that speech about false idols, sheep’s wool, and trumpets & torches everyday for the past month in preparation. I felt like I knew Gideon.
But I had never related it to me. That’s how God works. You think you’ve got things figured out and He comes along and shows you something new. :)
Pray for Steve please. He’s having some nerve issues causing his feet and hands to tingle. Hoping it’s not a sign of the GBM returning. His next brain MRI is November 14.
Hugs to all this beautiful fall morning. ❤️
I love the story of Gideon. God chooses ordinary people to do the extraordinary! His Spirit envelopes us to empower us! Never underestimate what God can do through you! Trust God and step out in faith! Preaching to myself!
Have a great weekend! Remember God is still on the throne and is in control.
“ It takes something dramatic to turn our hearts back towards God.” SO true! Running to the Father is the ONLY answer as we know our Father knows best. During my darkest and lonely times, and as I sit here with just a dim light, memories come back to me when I was crying out to my God to come rescue me. And HE did!
Happy Friday sweet She’s. I’m so glad it’s Friday! Prayers are appreciated us tomorrow. My daughter wants to go tour open house for Santa Clara University. Thankfully, on a Saturday, it’s just under an hour and a half drive. Driving to the bay, always makes me a little nervous. I was praying to God early this morning that HE’d protect my daughter and I from the incoming traffic and that I will drive safely.
I love the story of Gideon for several reasons. First, that God chose the youngest son of the weakest tribe. That’s me, the youngest daughter of a common family. Second, that the Lord was so patient in Gideon’s hesitations and lack of faith. I have been there too! Finally, Gideon has faith to obey. God is so patient and allowed Gideon to test him even though in Deuteronomy 6:16 it says to not put the Lord your God to the test. I don’t know why the Lord allowed Gideon to test Him, but I love how slow to anger and compassionate He is with Gideon. I feel God preparing me for a difficult season in my life and obedience will be necessary and will give me the strength I need. Enjoy the weekend and may God provide what you need today.
“The Israelites cried out to the Lord for help” – He sent them a prophet. That is our faithful God, always coming to our rescue! “The Lord answered I will be with you and you will strike down all the Midianites together” Gideon wasn’t quite sure and asked for a sign not once, but twice. God gave him a sign – twice. That is our patient, gracious God! Gideon may have been the youngest and from the weakest clan, but in spite of it all – God chose to use him. The same goes for us. We don’t have to be the smartest, wisest, most talented or well known for God to use you or me. We just need to humbly listen and follow Him, He’ll do the rest. So thankful that God included 1Corinthians 1:27 in scripture – it gives much hope!
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”
Have a blessed Friday sisters!
NOT HUDSON; GIDEON! I corrected that on my screen and it still showed up in my cooment. Apologies!
From Tiny Evans Study Bible:Judges 6:15-16
“God responded to Gideon’s feelings of inadequacy just as he had responded to Moses’s concerns years prior: I will be with you (6:16; see Exod 3:11-12). The key to accomplishing an impossible task is always walking in the presence of God.”
Instead of remembering that God was their hiding place, the people were hiding out in caves and Gideon was threshing in secret. Imagine the dust billowing around that hidden room!
God is with us in every circumstance- no matter how dirty or gritty it may be. He reminds of of Who He is and who we are in Him. If He calls us, He empowers us for success. The greatest success is a deeper relationship with Him, I believe. Hudson’s actions even caused his father to take a stand against Baal when the crowd threatened Gideon’s life. It sometimes takes a near tragedy to shake us “off the fence” to either choose God’s way or the wrong way.
Psalm 103:14- For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust.
Great, great devos, reading, and comments this week! Thank you, SRT, for all the hard work!
Praying for all you SHES!
Yes, CLAIRE B, I am reading Judges and looking at what is going on currently in Israel. There are so many similarities, aren’t there?
I loved this part, especially, of Rebecca Faires’ writing today… “It is God who marks the seasons, who raises up leaders, and who brings down empires. “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor over it in vain” (Psalm 127:1). All other planning and plotting is futile.” God is not in Heaven wringing His hands over Israel’s situation and all the craziness in our world. He has a plan and He has saved us… amen!
And, KRISTINE LOUGHMAN and SEARCHING (and probably the whole lot of us)… same! (Who me?)
Yes, you, sweet She’s!
Have a blessed day and lead others… fleece or no fleece!
Admittedly I was skeptical about an OT study of Judges. My thought was that it would be dry and uninspiring. I was proven wrong this week. Maybe it is because God sent this study at the most timely of moments as Israel is embroiled in war. Whatever the case it has kept me pondering about challenges and conflict and reactions to conflict and to how we react to those. How faithful are we daily in calm times and when in conflict?
Hoping you all have a restful, restorative weekend. ♥️
In Judges 6:24 Gideon builds an altar to the Lord called it “The Lord Is Peace”. May the God of Peace bring peace to our world, and peace to our hearts. May we trust that He IS faithful, He IS sovereign, He IS working all things together for good.
@Kelly(NEO) thanks for sharing the snippet of He Reads Truth. So true that this story isn’t about Gideon, it’s about God. How much so in our own lives. Our lives really aren’t about us. It’s about pointing to God.
Have a blessed weekend everyone <3
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Gideon! Oh man, I feel for Gideon. I would have done the same thing. First, he questioned whether God had the right man. Are you sure you want me, the weakest, the least? Second, he asked for a sign, then asked for another one *just in case*! And God was patient and understanding and gave Gideon the two signs he needed to bolster his confidence and belief. I also especially loved the description of the mountain God is preparing for us: On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples, a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined. – Isaiah 25:6 Ah to be on the mountaintop! Praying for us today, ladies, may we receive a mountaintop moment! (I’ve survived October’s report cards and 26 parent teacher conferences and am feeling pretty on top of the world this morning!)
Lord I trust Your plan. Reward my faith, forgive my doubt. In Jesus name, Amen
I’ve always loved to read about God’s patience with Gideon’s uncertainty, that he wants to confirm and double-check that he is being instructed by God, and that he understands His orders (Me? You’re talking to me? And You want me to do what?!). The response to Gideon emphasizes that He does understand our inability to grasp that He does guide us, He goes give us strength and wisdom, and that nothing is impossible for Him. May we never be deceived by imposters.
A phrase from the devo “worn pathways of sin.” Following the same path leads to the same place, over and over. Lord, help me to recognize ruts I’m in and get out.
Two readings in a row God uses the unlikely to accomplish His plans. He’s still in the business of doing the same today. For that I am grateful!
“But I will be with you”
God’s promise of presence fulfilled for Gideon: “The Spirit of the Lord enveloped Gideon”
Now His promise is fulfilled for me: The Spirit of the Lord indwells permanently.
From He Teads Trth today: “The story of Gideon isn’t actually about Gideon. . . . It is about God, who alone is victory. May God be gracious and keep us from having our own way. May He triumph in our weakness, and may He receive all the glory, for He alone is our deliverer.”
“GOD CAN RESCUE AND REDEEM EVEN THE MOST LOST” Amen to that!!
Here we have a “ Christophany “. This means Christ appears. Jesus has always existed. The world was created through him. In this interaction between Gideon and “The Angel of the Lord “ we see the Lord is speaking .
The is a difference between an Angel of the Lord and The Angel of the Lord .