I was listening to an audio-read of Judges chapter six the other day. In verse eleven, an angel of God came down and spoke to Gideon, saying that he was a mighty warrior and that God would help him save Israel from the Midianites. But Gideon was afraid. 

As I listened, I remembered thinking, “Oh, God is gonna punish him now.” But as the chapter continued, I was quickly humbled. It amazed me how patient God actually was with him, even when Gideon needed reassurance by asking twice for a sign with the fleece.

Based on my own perfectionism, I thought God wouldn’t tolerate Gideon’s fear. But isn’t it amazing how, when we are afraid, God doesn’t punish us either? He was even willing to bring Gideon down to the Midianite camp and allow him to hear through his enemy that God would give him victory. And Gideon responded to this by bowing and glorifying the Lord. 

At the end of chapter seven, God worked mightily through Gideon, saving Israel with only three hundred men and by His own power. It encouraged me to know that, even when we’re afraid, God won’t deal harshly with us for not being braver, but instead He’ll encourage us, be patient with our hesitancy, and give us peace. 

And in the end, God gets the glory!