Judges 6:12

Judges 6:12 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto [Gideon], and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. Israel found themselves serving Midianite masters. When someone doesn’t listen to God, things never go well. And they weren’t going well for Israel. But God called Gideon to stand up for Him. Gideon wasn’t a brave man, but Gideon was obedient to God, and that’s all that God looks for! Gideon was excited to hear from heaven. He went out at night and pushed over the idol up on the hill and cut down the beautiful grove of trees surrounding it. In the morning, everyone was mad. Gideon’s dad took up for him and defended his son. He said, “Leave my son alone! If those idols are so powerful, why don’t they stand up against my son?” No one could answer. That’s because idols are helpless and worthless. They can’t take care of themselves. Only God can take care of Himself! Gideon obeyed God and sent word throughout the country that he was gathering an army to fight against the Midianites. But Gideon was still fearful. He prayed, “God, are you sure that you want to use me to lead the army?” God was sure, but He had to make Gideon sure. Gideon had an idea. He put out a sheepskin overnight and asked the Lord, “If dew is all over the sheepskin in the morning and not on the ground around it, I’ll know this idea is from you.” The next morning, the ground was dry, but Gideon wrung out a whole bowl-full of water from the damp sheepskin! But that proof wasn’t enough for him. Gideon prayed once again, “Lord, tonight if the ground is damp with dew, but the sheepskin is completely dry, then I’ll know that this idea is from You.” And it was! In the morning, the dew had fallen with dampness all over Gideon’s yard, but his sheepskin was completely dry, even though it had been lying in the yard in the open! God had a job for Gideon to do. And God has a job for you to doo also! Get busy serving God! He will be with you!