The Fleece and God's will - Denise Pass

Genesis 24:12, 21, 26-27

“He prayed, “O Lord, God of my master Abraham,guide me today.  Be faithful to my master Abraham.  21 Silently the man watched her with interest to determine if the Lord had made his journey successful or not. 26 The man bowed his head and worshiped the Lord, 27 saying “Praised be the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his faithful love for my master! The Lord has led me to the house of my master’s relatives!  56 But he said to them, “Don’t detain me – the Lord has granted me success on my journey. Let me leave now so I may return to my master.””

Judges 6:36-40

^{36 “}Then Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said, ³⁷ behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said.” ³⁸ And it was so. When he rose early next morning and squeezed the fleece, he wrung enough dew from the fleece to fill a bowl with water. ³⁹ Then Gideon said to God, “Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more. Please let me test just once more with the fleece. Please let it be dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground let there be dew.” ⁴⁰ And God did so that night; and it was dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground there was dew.”

Seeking God’s direction is often a complex matter, predominantly because we come with our will and desires already ruling our hearts.  Throughout Scripture, God’s people cry out to God for guidance or favor, but have often twisted or manipulated that guidance to suit their own way.

Perhaps we get tired of waiting or afraid of what His will is going to be.  Sometimes we think it would be easier to just cast lots like they did in days of old, yet would we be content with the outcome?

I remember a time when I was seeking God’s will regarding a personal conviction I felt He was giving me.  I rationalized it as being hyper-spiritual and did not want to accept the direction God was giving me, so I pulled a Gideon maneuver.  Twice I laid my fleece before God and both times He miraculously showed clearly what His will was.  Humbled, I obeyed.  Other times, God forgive me, I confess I have wanted to quiet that still small voice when it has been uncomfortable.

I love reading about Abraham’s servant who humbly acknowledged Who God was, and asked God to show him who should be Isaac’s wife.  In his desire for God to confirm His choice, he was not going with someone already in mind – he was surrendered, emptying himself of anything short of God’s perfect will.  Beautiful.

When God calls us to a relationship or a work for His Kingdom, it is a humbling thing to step out in that calling.  The desire to do his will and not miss his calling can be paralyzing.  Afraid of being a fool or making a mistake serves to distract us, whereas a fear of the LORD propels us to fervently seek Him while we seek to see His kingdom advanced.

If our motivation is for self, it will be revealed.  If it is for God and His purposes, God will ultimately provide and lead, though we will often have to endure trial and testing in the process to purify our hearts.

We often do not know where God is leading us – that is part of this faith walk.  But when we draw nearer to Him, we know His character and that we can trust Him.  Like Abraham’s servant, we will be tested and people will try to deter us.  But we can be confident that God will speak to us and lead His sheep – He is the perfect Shepherd.

Lord, lead me!  Your will be done in every part of my life!  I empty myself and ask that You be glorified in all that You place before me to do.  You are worthy!