Putting out a fleece - More on Gideon

"I will put a wool fleece here on the threshing floor. If dew is only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, I will know that You will deliver Israel by my strength, as You said" v37      

                                                                                         Judges 6:33-40    CSB 

God had told Gideon to go up against the Midianites, thus delivering Israel. Gideon wanted to be sure this was so. He therefore, put out a fleece. Many of us have done this during our walk with God but; is it right to do so? 

Asking God to guide us in a decision is asking Him for a visible sign - a confirmation, that we have heard Him right and it is the right thing to do for our guidance. But a fleece, is not a biblical term, it is conducive to testing God v39. God tells us to, 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding, 6 in all your ways, know Him and He will make your paths straight' Proverbs 3:5-6. There is a difference here. Note the 'Trust in'. Putting out a fleece is used by people, rather like Gideon, who are struggling with a decision and lack the faith to trust God in a certain area.

Gideon actually did this twice v39) which some may believe was pushing his luck a little. However, look how God was, with him. He was aware of this testing God, but still asked Him, 'Please don't be angry with me.' Why would he have said this, unless he knew that he was putting God to the test?

You may have done this at times, in fact, I believe many of us have. It seems such a natural thing to do. However, God much prefers us to ask in faith - 'Now, without faith, it is impossible to please God' Hebrews 11:6. He may have answered you this way in the past but, it is because of His amazing grace. He wants us though, to grow in faith and trust Him much more. 

Let us be aware that Jesus said, in answer to the devil in the wilderness, 'Do not test the Lord your God' Luke 4:12. It is far better to ask God to confirm His will instead of putting out a fleece. Some would say that there is no difference but, there is. God didn't say, 'Trust in the LORD with all your heart and put out a fleece if you need one.' Not at all; He told us not to rely on our own understanding, but seek His will in all we do. He will then show us the way to go.

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