Day 52 – Judges: Character sketch of Gideon

“When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship before the Lord. Then he returned to the Israel camp and shouted, Get up! For the Lord has given you victory over the Midianite hordes!” Judges 7:15 NLT

Most of us want to know God’s plan for our lives, and we focus on how we can discover it. One common misunderstanding is the idea that God’s guidance has nothing to do with what we’re doing now. But if we’re always looking at whatever grand assignment God might have in store for us in the future, we can risk overlooking or ruining what we are supposed to do now. Gideon might have had limited vision, but he was committed to it and very resourceful. He had his weak moments but was still God’s servant. I appreciate Gideon as a man who obeyed God and – even when he doubted – obeyed God by giving his full attention to the tasks at hand.  

Strengths and accomplishments

Gideon was a military strategist who was an expert at surprise tactics leading Israel to defeat the Midianites. Though he was slow to be convinced, he acted on his convictions.

Weaknesses and mistakes

He feared that because of his own limitations, God could not work through him. He collected Midianite gold and made a symbol that became an idolatrous object. Through a concubine, he fathered a son who would bring great grief and tragedy to both Gideon’s family and the nation of Israel.

Life lessons from Gideon’s story

In the middle of our present obedience – as we are faithful – God gives us more responsibility. He will expand and use what He has already given us despite our limitations and failures. Even those who make great spiritual progress can easily fall into sin if they don’t consistently follow the Lord.

Prayer: Father, sometimes I feel like Gideon and think I am not worthy to do what You called me to do. We tend to look at our limitations instead of Your limitlessness. We measure ourselves against what we can accomplish instead of what You can accomplish through us. Open our hearts to Your call, guidance, and wisdom and give us a heart of acceptance and expectation to be obedient. Amen.