Do you test God?

So much of the time in our search for God, it's common to throw out a fleece.

"God, I'll know you want me to do x, if you do y." Sound familiar?

I'm not thinking God likes to be tested like this.

I've been studying the story of Gideon lately. In my Christian education, Gideon has been treated mostly as a faith hero. He defeated, no, he routed the Midianites with just a handful of men. But was this because of Gideon's tremendous faith in God? Maybe.

I would argue that Gideon was a spiritual wimp. And we can learn lessons from him.

If you look at the story of Gideon, he's always questioning God. When he meets the angel of the Lord, he basically says "Wait here so I can go get an offering and make sure you're the real deal."

Then when God orders him to take the Midianites, he doesn't march straight onto the field of battle. Instead, he throws out a fleece to test God. Not once, but TWICE, just to make sure God's not yanking his femur. This doesn't portend a bold faith, but rather a skeptic seeking confirmation.

This whole story about God reducing Gideon's army? I think this was God teaching Gideon a lesson about doubt.

God told Gideon he would be victorious, but Gideon doubted. So God had to take action to make sure Gideon got the point. He whittled down his army until it was only a fraction of the opposing force. Now Gideon was really sweating. So God sends him down to spy on the enemy camp. Only when he overhears a conversation about the fear of the Midianites does he finally have the guts to take action on God's promise.

And then finally, Gideon so quickly forgets about God's deliverance. He take part of the plunder, creates an ephod (an idol) and it becomes a snare for he and his household.

Great man of faith? I don't think so.

It makes me wonder. Am I a confident believer or a skeptical follower? There's a big difference.

It's ironic that Gideon is so conservative and risk aversive. His lack of faith (steeped in his risk averse nature) robs him of the happiness and fulfillment he's longing for in his life.

Yes, Gideon does wind up acting on God's direction in many instances. And he does so on faith. But it's a weak faith, diluted by doubt.

Imagine how much more he may have accomplished if he were more confident in God's promises.

Or maybe Gideon is a hero. He doubts. But in his doubt, he acts in faith. Can I say that?