April 1, 2025 -Test or Confirmation

JUDGES 3:31-6:40

Chronological Bible Readings

Judges 9:36 Then Gideon said to God, “If you are truly going to use me to rescue Israel as you promised, 37 prove it to me in this way. I will put a wool fleece on the threshing floor tonight. If the fleece is wet with dew in the morning but the ground is dry, then I will know that you are going to help me rescue Israel as you promised.” 38 And that is just what happened. When Gideon got up early the next morning, he squeezed the fleece and wrung out a whole bowlful of water.

39 Then Gideon said to God, “Please don’t be angry with me, but let me make one more request. Let me use the fleece for one more test. This time let the fleece remain dry while the ground around it is wet with dew.” 40 So that night God did as Gideon asked. The fleece was dry in the morning, but the ground was covered with dew.

What is the difference testing God and asking for confirmation. Some people could look at this and say that Gideon is testing God. After all God has proven that his message really did come from him when he burned up the food that Gideon had prepared. It really does look like a test. It looks pretty clear. I don't think I would need any more confirmation. It says we are not supposed to put God to the test but since this seems to be doing just that I looked for scripture that says that. Here is what I found for Old Testament reference.

Deuteronomy 6:15-17 NIV

[15] for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land. [16] Do not put the Lord your God to the test as you did at Massah. [17] Be sure to keep the commands of the Lord your God and the stipulations and decrees he has given you.

So it looks like what is meant by don't put God to the test means, "When God say's to obey Him or else", don't disobey to see if the or else will happen, because it will. It doesn't mean don't ask God to tell you again or confirm something to you. It doesn't mean don't ask for more confirmation about doing something that maybe would be scary to do. I think the story of Gideon is a great example that we can and should seek clarity from God. It is okay to say "God when you... then I will know that you want me to do..." I think this is how we should handle making decisions in the church. God we are going to pray about.... Whenever you...for the majority of us then we will know that you are saying that we should. That is not testing God it is having a heart to know Him and be obedient to Him with confidence and faith.