In what ways can we seek assurance from God in our daily decisions? A moment of holy pause—Judges 6:18 “Please do not depart from here, until I return to You, and bring out my offering, and set it before You.” And He said, “I will stay until you return.” What stands out in Gideon’s request • Gideon asks the Lord to remain while he prepares an offering. • He looks for confirmation before moving forward. • The Angel of the LORD agrees to wait—God accommodates the sincere seeker. Why Gideon’s approach matters for our own decisions • He recognizes the Lord’s presence. • He responds with worship first, not action. • He seeks explicit assurance before taking the next step. Ways we, too, can seek assurance from God • Worship before we work – Offer gratitude and praise (Psalm 100:4). – Present ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). • Ask for wisdom plainly – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God” (James 1:5). – Pray until the heart settles and clarity rises. • Wait for the Lord’s response – Gideon didn’t rush; he trusted God to “stay.” – Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the LORD; be strong…” • Confirm every impression with Scripture – God will never guide contrary to His written Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Welcome godly counsel – “Plans fail for lack of counsel” (Proverbs 15:22). – Mature believers often supply needed perspective. • Look for the Spirit’s peace – Philippians 4:6-7 speaks of peace guarding hearts and minds. – Uneasy turmoil can signal a “red light.” • Observe providential doors – Revelation 3:8: “I have set before you an open door.” – Circumstances alone aren’t decisive but can confirm other indicators. • Move forward in faith, not fleece – Gideon’s fleece (vv. 36-40) shows grace, yet Jesus teaches, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). – After reasonable confirmation, step out obediently. Putting it into daily practice 1. Start the day with worship and Scripture; align heart before decisions arise. 2. When a choice surfaces, pray specifically for wisdom and clarity. 3. Give the Lord room to speak—through His Word, His people, inner peace, and providence. 4. Check that every leading harmonizes with clear biblical teaching. 5. Act decisively once assurance comes, trusting God to go with you just as He stayed with Gideon. Related verses that reinforce assurance • Proverbs 3:5-6—Trust and He will direct your paths. • Psalm 32:8—“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.” • Isaiah 30:21—“This is the way, walk in it.” • Colossians 3:15—Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. Learning from Gideon, we discover that God welcomes sincere seekers, patiently provides confirmation, and honors faith that responds in worship and obedience. |
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