Reassurances
Wouldn't it be great to know what God is thinking?
And it was so. When he rose early next morning and squeezed the fleece, he wrung enough dew from the fleece to fill a bowl with water. Then Gideon said to God, "Do not let your anger burn against me, let me speak one more time; let me, please, make trial with the fleece just once more; let it be dry only on the fleece, and on all the ground let there be dew." And God did so that night. It was dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground there was dew. - Judges 6:38-40
In today's reading, Gideon seeks help from God and he knows he will get it, but he wants assurances.
The surprising thing is he gets them, not once, but twice. God is good to him.
Most of us get no assurances. We amble along looking for a hint that we are on the right course, and we may find ourselves seeking reassurances from others, people who may have good intentions, but do not speak for God.
I wonder what Gideon's friends and family would have advised him. Surely they would want to know he was doing the right thing and that he would be safe.
Those two things don't always go hand-in-hand.
When I think of him having to go into battle against the followers of Baal, because he tore down their altar, I am reminded of our troops assigned across the globe in defense of our nation. How many, knowing what they are being asked to do is dangerous and could take their life, call out to God for assurances like Gideon?
How do they get them? Is there a confidence that comes over them as they head into the unknown? Do the voices of those they love and who love them echo in their heads? Are they afraid? What calms their fears?
As I make my way home today, I will be thinking of all those who stand in defense of freedom and justice, from the soldiers to the police and I will pray that God has them firmly in the palm of His hands.
I know there are no guarantees. There is no fleece to test and no high five from God, but there is faith and hope and all the support our love can give.
We can be the help for those in harm's way. We can be the voice seeking God's help for them.
The world has become a much scarier place in the past decade or two. We all need His help to face it. This is the time to seek His help daily.
Let us pray.
Moe to come...