Judges 6-8 The Sword of the Lord & Gideon

In our study of this book we have come across some men who are heroes and others who are cowards. God placed this story of Gideon in the very middle of the book so we can look back and see the causes of disobedience and also the rewards of obedience. Before this chapter we have men who were soldiers but they were unable to free the country of its weaknesses. Now God introduces us to a mere farmer who also is much like Barak of early chapters. Both men feared men more than God. Barak’s victory was because of the bravery of a woman named Jael. Now God introduces us to another man who feared men more than God but through it all he comes to the realization that yes, God will go before him and allow him to see the power of the Lord in destroying the enemies, the Midianites. But, it will take some convincing before Gideon is ready to step into the arena of victory and God is patient to allow him to see His power.  Sometimes God does that with us as well. 

How about you, do you have to see the manifestations of fire and fleeces before you will step into the arena of the enemies of God or do you comply and obey the instructions of God without hesitation? Gideon is the example of one whom God called but had to be persuaded.