A Man of Many Questions: Gideon

I have lots of questions. Do you have lots of questions?

See, even that was a question. ;)

I want to know how the stars stay in the sky. I want to know who decided donuts should have a hole in the middle. I want to know what makes my blood red and where in the world the Tianzi mountains stand tall and proud?

 What questions do you have? 

I also want to know why God created a world knowing it would have so many problems and sin. I want to know how to bring peace to nations and people everywhere. I want to know how God wants me to spend the time He has given in the very ways.

It’s ok to have questions. 

This is one of the most important lessons we learn from our mighty warrior of the week – Gideon.

Gideon has questions and Gideon has doubts. He’s not sure he’s the guy God should use to defeat the Midianites. When God comes and asks Gideon to serve, not only does this warrior say something to the effect of, “Really? Me, God? Are You sure?” He also asks God to wait a minute until he prepares some stuff, and then asks for not one, not two, but three signs from God before taking on the enemy he is supposed to defeat in battle by the Lord’s hand.

That takes guts, and I’m not sure it was Gideon’s finest moment. Sometimes we question God and tell Him we would do His job of running the world better. That’s not ok, but you know what?

 God can take our questions.

 God can take our doubts and struggle.  

God promises to listen and God promises to intercede when we are afraid or angry, or hurting, or just wondering.

When Gideon asks God why life is hard and bad things happen if God is helping them, God reminds Gideon of everything God has done for His people for so long. Gideon asks more questions and God patiently answers with His plans for this particular battle Gideon faces today. He doesn’t give Gideon all the answers, but He does give him a mighty warrior promise in Judges 6:16 –

“And the LORD said to him, “But I will be with you…”

That’s God good promise to every question we have.

The Lord says to you, “But I am with you…” 

The Lord says today, “But I am with you…”

The Lord says for tomorrow and the day after that and the day after that, “But I am with you…”

Gideon made a LOT of mistakes. God still managed to defeat the Midianites with 300 men holding trumpets and torches by Gideon’s instruction, rather than swords. God does mighty things. Gideon also married a lot of women and had some family issues gone very wrong, particularly with his son Abimelech. He had some stellar moments too, particularly when he told Israel “No” when they asked him to be their king. He knew God was a better ruler than he could ever be.   

That’s kind of like our lives and our questions, our doubts. Taking them to God in prayer and conversation is the very best place to take them. Taking our mistakes to God is also the best place. He gives us Jesus, and Life, and Forgiveness in answer to our questions and doubts.  

God makes brave warriors, Mighty Men of Valor, in you, and me, and Gideon…questions and doubts included.

This devotion is a sample from the series Might & Mercy: Family Devotions in Judges. You can find the packet of ten downloadable devotions with conversations, warrior cards, and other extras for family, classroom, or group use at the link below:

---