The story of Gideon is what I think, one of the better stories in the book of Judges. And this is what I love so much about Gideon, he is not afraid to bring his fear to God. He is face to face with the angle of the LORD and he questions Him!
“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, “Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?” But now the LORD has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.” Judges 6:13
Oh, that had to have felt like a slap in the face to God. But, God, in all His patience and love responds with this:
The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” Judges 6:14
God doesn’t condemn Gideon for questioning Him. God doesn’t yell or turn His back, no, instead He commissions Gideon. Basically saying, “I am here. I am with you. You are the one I am going to use for all my wonders.” Now, Gideon is shook and basically says, “Me? How?” And God’s response is the absolute best:
The LORD answered, “I will be with you.” Judges 6:16
Gideon questions God a few more times throughout the story, ensuring that He is who He says He is. And every time, God is patient and gives Him a sign. I think in this, it isn’t Gideon doubting God’s strength, ability, or power…but Gideon felt God’s absence for seven years as the Midianites had taken over. Gideon was confirming for himself that this truly was God, that He truly was with him. The story ends with Gideon and 300 men taking down 120,000 Midianites…with no weapons, only empty jars, torches, and trumpets…only GOD!
I think there are moments in our lives where we all feel like Gideon did when he first came face to face with God.
- Where have you been?
- Why have you abandoned me?
- Why have you forsaken me?
- Why am I suffering in the face of evil?
And here is the honest truth, God does go quiet in our lives. But, it’s not because He abandoned us, often it is because we have turned away from Him. If you’re unfamiliar with the story of the Israelites and where they are at this point in history, here is a quick rundown:
In Judges, the Israelites have made it to the Promised Land. They are all in their section of land based on their tribe. God had instructed them to drive out everyone who was not an Israelite BECAUSE this land was Holy and these people were not. For example, they were sacrificing their children to pagan gods. Well, the Israelites didn’t listen, evil stayed and caused many Israelites to stop worshiping God and turn to other idols. It is a vicious cycle they are in, with no human leader at this point. They sin (turn away from God), repent, and God sends a Judge to deliver them. This happens over and over again.
So, here we are in Judges 6, where the Israelites turned away from God and the result, the Midianites oppressed them by their power. But, the thing is, God never left them. He was there, waiting for them to turn back to Him. He was patient and loving with them. His response, once they cry out, is IMMEDIATE:
When the Israelites cried out to the LORD because of Midian, he sent them a prophet. Judges 6:7
You see, the question isn’t, “Why has God abandoned me?” No, the question is, “Have I abandoned God?” If it feels like God has grown quiet in our lives, then we aren’t seeking Him. Because the thing about God, He will never force your hand to worship Him, to seek Him, to find refuge in Him. He isn’t going to move in your life unless you are seeking Him. All God is after is a relationship with us. And the more we pursue Him, the deeper that relationship becomes and His presence becomes stronger in our lives. How can we then, seek God, return to Him, hear from Him? Read His word, start our day with Him, pray, sit quietly with Him, walk with Him, journal, go to church, and be in community with His followers.
It sometimes feels heavy and hard when God feels quiet. It sometimes feels like He is mad or angry. But, He is patiently waiting for us with loving arms. Just as He didn’t condemn Gideon, nor will He condemn us for coming back to Him.
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7
The great commission is and forever will be a verse in the Bible that sets my soul on fire, but there is second part to it. A promise that Jesus leaves His disciples with; an encouragement that Matthew ends the gospel on:
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
Love and blessings,
Radical Road 