How to Trust God’s Strength Over Our Own: Lessons from Gideon

by Minister Denise N. Fyffe

Gideon, one of the judges of Israel, is a compelling example of how God can use ordinary, even reluctant, individuals to accomplish extraordinary things. His story, recorded in the Book of Judges, highlights the importance of trusting in God’s strength rather than our own abilities. Gideon’s journey from a fearful man hiding from the enemy to a mighty warrior who leads Israel to victory offers valuable lessons on how to overcome doubts, rely on God’s power, and act in faith.

Gideon’s Call: Overcoming Fear and Doubt

When we first meet Gideon, he is threshing wheat in a winepress, hiding from the Midianites who were oppressing Israel. Despite his fear and lowly circumstances, the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, addressing him as a mighty man of valor.

Judges 6:12-14 captures this unexpected call:

“And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, ‘The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor!’ Gideon said to Him, ‘O my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, “Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?” But now the Lord has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.’ Then the Lord turned to him and said, ‘Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?’”

Gideon’s initial response to God’s call is marked by doubt and a sense of inadequacy. He questions why God would choose him, a man from the weakest clan in Manasseh, to deliver Israel. However, God’s assurance that He is with Gideon is key to overcoming these doubts.

This moment in Gideon’s life teaches us that God often calls us beyond our comfort zones, asking us to step out in faith despite our fears and doubts. Gideon’s story encourages us to trust in God’s strength rather than our own abilities, knowing that He equips those He calls.

Gideon’s Test of Faith: Seeking Confirmation from God

Before fully accepting his mission, Gideon sought confirmation from God to ensure that he was truly called to deliver Israel. He asked God for signs, such as the famous fleece test, where he asked for dew to appear only on a fleece of wool while the ground remained dry, and then for the opposite to occur.

Judges 6:36-40 describes this test:

“So Gideon said to God, ‘If You will save Israel by my hand as You have said—look, I shall put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor; if there is dew on the fleece only, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that You will save Israel by my hand, as You have said.’ And it was so. When he rose early the next morning and squeezed the fleece together, he wrung the dew out of the fleece, a bowlful of water. Then Gideon said to God, ‘Do not be angry with me, but let me speak just once more: Let me test, I pray, just once more with the fleece; let it now be dry only on the fleece, but on all the ground let there be dew.’ And God did so that night. It was dry on the fleece only, but there was dew on all the ground.”

Gideon’s request for confirmation, while often seen as a sign of doubt, also reflects his desire to be certain of God’s will before proceeding. God’s patience with Gideon in this moment shows His understanding of our need for reassurance.

Gideon’s story teaches us that it’s okay to seek confirmation and clarity from God when we face significant challenges or decisions. However, it also reminds us that once we have received God’s assurance, we must act in faith and trust in His guidance.

Gideon’s Victory: Trusting in God’s Power

One of the most remarkable aspects of Gideon’s story is the way God intentionally reduced the size of his army, ensuring that Israel’s victory over the Midianites would clearly be attributed to God’s power and not human strength. God instructed Gideon to send home those who were fearful, and then further reduced the army to just 300 men.

Judges 7:7 recounts God’s instructions:

“Then the Lord said to Gideon, ‘By the three hundred men who lapped I will save you, and deliver the Midianites into your hand. Let all the other people go, every man to his place.’”

With this small, seemingly inadequate force, Gideon led Israel to a miraculous victory, using unconventional tactics that involved trumpets, torches, and empty pitchers. The result was a complete rout of the Midianite forces.

This victory teaches us the importance of trusting in God’s power rather than our own resources or abilities. Gideon’s story encourages us to step out in faith, even when the odds seem overwhelmingly against us, trusting that God is able to accomplish His purposes through us.

Gideon’s Legacy: The Danger of Success and Compromise

After his victory, Gideon was offered kingship over Israel, but he declined, insisting that the Lord should rule over the people. However, Gideon’s later actions reveal the complexities and challenges of leadership. He created an ephod—a religious garment—that became a snare to him and his family, leading Israel into idolatry.

Judges 8:27 describes this downfall:

“Then Gideon made it into an ephod and set it up in his city, Ophrah. And all Israel played the harlot with it there. It became a snare to Gideon and to his house.”

Gideon’s later years remind us of the dangers of success and the potential for compromise in our spiritual lives. Despite his earlier faithfulness, Gideon’s story ends on a note of warning, highlighting the need for continual dependence on God and vigilance against the temptations that can arise from success.

This part of Gideon’s life teaches us that victory and success should not lead us to complacency or compromise. True faithfulness requires ongoing commitment to God’s will and a constant reliance on His guidance.

Lessons from Gideon’s Life

Gideon’s life provides several important lessons on how to trust in God’s strength over our own. First, his initial doubts and fears teach us that God can use us despite our insecurities. Gideon’s story encourages us to trust in God’s calling, even when we feel inadequate.

Second, Gideon’s request for confirmation from God reminds us that it’s okay to seek clarity and assurance from God in our decisions. However, we must also be willing to act in faith once we receive that confirmation.

Third, Gideon’s victory with a small, reduced army teaches us the importance of relying on God’s power rather than our own resources. God can accomplish great things through us when we trust in His strength rather than our own abilities.

Finally, Gideon’s later years serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of success and compromise. We are reminded to remain vigilant and dependent on God, even after experiencing victories and blessings.

Conclusion

Gideon’s life is a powerful example of how God can transform a hesitant and fearful individual into a mighty leader when that person is willing to trust in God’s strength. Through his journey from doubt to victory, Gideon teaches us the importance of relying on God’s power, seeking His guidance, and remaining faithful even in success. As we reflect on Gideon’s life, may we be inspired to trust in God’s strength over our own, stepping out in faith and allowing Him to work through us to accomplish His purposes.

I hope you find this bible study beneficial and that the Word of God works effectively in your life.

Be encouraged and stay blessed.

 

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The Invitation

I invite you today to take a deep look and think about your life. Is God calling you to be baptized and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you been ignoring him? Have you been facing immense hardships and challenges? What can you do to take the first step? How can you trust that he will help you to take the next step?

Be encouraged.

Be bold. Answer the Call.

In Jesus mighty name, Amen.

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And remember, be encouraged.

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About the writer:

Minister Denise N. Fyffe is a devoted Christian, author, and servant of God, whose life is guided by her faith and values. Since accepting Jesus Christ at a young age, she has made it her mission. She shares her journey and knowledge of the Bible with others. Besides her passion for writing, Minister Fyffe is actively involved in ministry outreach. She also engages in Christian mentorship and ministering the Word of God.