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. Judges 6:37
By: Charles W. Schuler
Have you ever had to make a difficult decision that would change your life forever? My wife, Marianne, and I recently faced the big decision to move. That may not sound like a big deal to some. But we are in our eighties. We designed and built the beautiful home where we lived comfortably for the last 30 years. And as we get older, we do not want to burden our children. We wondered where to start. Call a realtor? Our financial planner? Ask our children?
The first step believers must take in any decision is turning to Jesus for guidance. But how? Prayer, of course.
In Judges 6:37-39 Gideon, a military leader and prophet, was needing assurance that God would use him to save Israel. As a test, Gideon put out a fleece [coat of wool] on the floor overnight. He prayed for God to put dew on the fleece and not the floor. The outcome would allow Gideon to know it was God who had answered his prayer. The next morning the fleece was soaking wet and the floor was dry.
But Gideon wasn’t convinced. He said to God, “Do not be angry with me. Let me make just one more request. Allow me one more test with the fleece. This time let the fleece be dry and the ground around it be wet” (Judges 6:39). Again, God answered his prayer. Gideon believed and committed his actions to God’s call.
Marianne and I decided to lay out a proverbial fleece before God. If He wanted us to move, He would give us a fair asking price for our house. We also asked a real estate professional to value the home. If this number was equal or higher than what God gave us, we would know God favored our move. If it was less, God wanted us to stay.
When the real estate professional’s number came within a few thousand of ours, we believed God responded. Joy mixed with anticipation as we prayed that whoever bought our house would love it as much as we did. The fourth person to look at the house bought it, exclaiming this was their “dream home.”
Because we remained faithful to God’s direction, He has blessed our move with peace and favor. Thank you, Lord.
It is difficult to let go and trust God with tough decisions.
But when we go to Him first, in prayer and praise, He is faithful to answer us.
Are you facing a tough decision? Try putting a fleece out before God, asking for His guidance. A scenario over which you have no control. Praise God for the result that will come from His action. And be prepared to commit yourself to the result.
14 Comments
Hi! Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog. I look forward to walking together as we draw closer to Jesus.
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Thank you “my sweet Charlie”. It is so nice to hear your words of wisdom again. Love y’all so much!
I shared your words with my Dad. He is so encouraged!
Thank you for sharing your encouraging experience in trusting God with your future! We are quick to forget that He is always faithful if we will turn to Him first, not just when we are in the middle of our mess.
So good to hear from you Beth. Thanks for sharing.
Confirming and assuring, that I have been following His will. Thank you.
So awesome to hear this Russ!
Great post Mr. Schuler. I know there have been times when I had to make tough decisions that would change my life and prayer and waiting on God has really helped me understand God’s timing. Sometimes I get it wrong and when I do I go back to the drawing board and pray again. I’m learning how to trust God’s guidance and provision for my life. Thank you for using Gideon’s story as an illustration.
I love your encouraging words. Thank you.
While we don’t see one another often, I’m so grateful that you and M are near your children. Grateful for your laying out of your fleece and your example of faithfulness! Love you still! Bmb
I shared your comments with my Dad. Thank you so much!
A big thank you to your family for always showing me in a clear way in conflict. First of all, I continue to pray that I can ask the Lord.
Thank you Akiko. We are so grateful for our friendship.
Isn’t God great?! He is so faithful to His children and ever ready to guide us through tough decisions if only we ask and trust. You are such a faithful servant! Love you both so much!
Thank you Patty for these wonderful comments.