I don't know about you, but I am all too eager to judge the Israelites when I read about their time wandering in the desert, making false idols and turning away from God. He sent them sign after sign of His sovereignty and yet they still couldn't seem to get their act together? Really!? But then I think about the context of my own life and realize I am guilty of all the same offenses. I listen to my fear and act out of selfishness rather than living from a place of hope and trust. I place other things above God in hopes that they will fill my temporary needs and I lose sight of how truly faithful God is.
In the New Testament, Gideon is referred to as a man of faith (Hebrews 11:32-33), but even Gideon had his questions and doubt. He asked God for 3 signs of affirmation as if to say "God, are you really sure you want me to do this?" Through this I am reminded that God is patient with our questions but ultimately calls us to act out of faith. I read something recently that said "We don't measure faith by figuring out what we believe is true, but by asking if we're any different because of it." How true! Gideon wasn't faithful because he said he trusted God, he was faithful because he actively participated in God's plan and lived from a place of trust rather than fear.
When I read the story of Gideon, I can't help but think, "what idols is God asking me to rid myself of?" or "what Midianites and Amalekites is God wanting to conquer in my own life?" My hope and prayer is that I am willing to trust God and participate in His plan, knowing that He is willing to prove His faithfulness in my life even when I question Him. I want to make the choice everyday to live not from fear, complacency or selfishness like the Israelites, but from a place of active, intentional and authentic faith.
- Addie Boone
In the New Testament, Gideon is referred to as a man of faith (Hebrews 11:32-33), but even Gideon had his questions and doubt. He asked God for 3 signs of affirmation as if to say "God, are you really sure you want me to do this?" Through this I am reminded that God is patient with our questions but ultimately calls us to act out of faith. I read something recently that said "We don't measure faith by figuring out what we believe is true, but by asking if we're any different because of it." How true! Gideon wasn't faithful because he said he trusted God, he was faithful because he actively participated in God's plan and lived from a place of trust rather than fear.
When I read the story of Gideon, I can't help but think, "what idols is God asking me to rid myself of?" or "what Midianites and Amalekites is God wanting to conquer in my own life?" My hope and prayer is that I am willing to trust God and participate in His plan, knowing that He is willing to prove His faithfulness in my life even when I question Him. I want to make the choice everyday to live not from fear, complacency or selfishness like the Israelites, but from a place of active, intentional and authentic faith.
- Addie Boone
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