Craig Clouston

The Fleece

If there is dew on the fleece … then I will know.
Judges 6:37

What they were doing looked like foolishness to those who didn’t understand spiritual matters. Yet that hadn’t stopped their work. And they were ninety-nine percent sure that God wanted them to continue their ministry. But wanting to be completely sure, they decided to put out a fleece. It had worked for Gideon. “Okay, Lord. You’ve led us this far. You even revealed the person we are to pray about. We haven’t seen him in months. If You want us to continue what we’re doing, cause this man to come back into our lives by the end of the week.” With that, they went back to the work of their ministry.
The fleece had been laid out on Monday. It was now Saturday morning. To this point, the man was a no-show. Time was running short, yet they continued to watch in faith.
As it happened, there was an annual festival being held that day in their small town, just a few vendors selling their wares, a country band for entertainment, and a small car show. They enjoyed the beautiful day, holding hands as they walked and talked with friends and family. Just as they were about to leave, a man appeared from the crowd; he waved and walked toward them. The man in their fleece!
God had provided unmistakable evidence that He intended them to continue in what they were doing. God had responded, and it had settled the matter for them.

†

Not all our petitions receive this obvious an answer. Most of the time, we must interpret God’s response through His Word, circumstances, continual prayer, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Yet sometimes God removes all doubt.
God is not too big to be asked the difficult questions, nor too small to deliver an appropriate answer. What He wants more than anything is for us to ask. God wasn’t put off by Gideon’s fleece, not even the second time he asked. It was God’s opportunity to reveal His nature to Gideon. He wants to do the same with us.

Prayer

“Help me step outside the natural into a supernatural spiritual life, Lord. Cause me to disregard the distractions and remain focused on You. Amen.”