Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said. Judges 6:37 KJV
This example of Gideon setting out a fleece (a clump of wool) is frequently referred to as a model for decision-making. But is it an appropriate way to know God’s will? The passage indicates that it is not. First, this was not an example of faith on Gideon’s part but instead extreme hesitation. Second, through the Angel of the Lord, God had already revealed His will. Third, this is the only occasion where God confirmed His will with a fleece. At best this was an exception rather than the rule; therefore it is not a good model to depend on for guidance. Is there a better approach? Yes! God has plainly revealed His will in the pages of the Bible. He calls on us to read it and act upon it by faith.
Lord, I thank You that Your will is plainly revealed in the pages of the Bible. I confess that my most common problem is similar to that of Gideon. I often know Your will but for different reasons hesitate to do it. Help me to both know and to do Your revealed will.
