We do not need experiential proof (signs, voices, miracles) to verify what He has already told us in His Word. God has assured us that His Word is all we need to be “thoroughly equipped” for anything and everything in life. First, we have the complete Word of God which we know is “God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). As Christians, we have two powerful tools that Gideon lacked. That often leads us to ask for multiple signs, none of which give us the assurance we need, because the problem isn’t with God’s power it’s with our own perception of it.Ī problem with following Gideon’s example of fleece-setting is that it does not take into account that our situation and his are really not comparable. In the same way, even when God does provide the sign we ask for, it doesn’t give us what we crave because our wavering faith still doubts. Still, Gideon asked for two more signs because of his own insecurity. 14), and He had responded to a previous request for a sign with a miraculous display of power in fire (v. God had told him he would have victory (v. Clearly, it was not.Īnother lesson of Gideon’s fleeces is that those asking for signs are exhibiting a weak and immature faith that won’t be convinced by the signs anyway! Gideon had received more than enough information without the sign of the fleeces. His point was that the signs He had already given them-His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, healings, and miracles-were sufficient for them to respond to the truth, if truth was what they were seeking. Jesus said on two occasions that “a wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign” (Matthew 12:39 16:1-4). However, the story of Gideon should be for our instruction and not serve as a model for our own behavior. But our God is a merciful, loving and patient God who knows our weaknesses. Let me make one more request” (Judges 6:39). After the first fleece sign, he said, “Do not be angry with me. Gideon knew he was treading on dangerous ground and was trying God’s patience by asking for multiple signs. First, God is incredibly gracious and patient with us, especially when our faith is weak. There are several lessons for us in Gideon’s story. Putting out the fleeces was the second time Gideon had asked for a sign that God was really talking to him and would do what He said He would. Again, God complied, and Gideon was finally convinced that God meant what He said and that the nation of Israel would have the victory the angel of the Lord had promised in Judges 6:14-16. But Gideon’s faith was so weak that he asked God for another sign-this time to keep another fleece dry while making the surrounding dirt wet.

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