Gideon took his anger out on his wheat, pounding the grain down in a winepress, hiding from enemy raiders. When an angel appeared and greeted Gideon as a mighty warrior (perhaps tongue-in-cheek), Gideon immediately launched into accusations and excuses – God, where have you been?!

It took several proofs to convert Gideon from frustrated farmer to successful general. Fire from a rock, the pagan alter in his village destroyed, a fleece first with dew, then without. Through it all, God patiently ushered Gideon along, despite constant questions and doubts.

Like Gideon, I’ve “pounded my wheat” in frustration. I’ve asked – God, where are you?! I often don’t know where God is in the midst of my circumstances, and never have I met an angel in such dramatic fashion.

But I draw hope from Gideon’s story, especially seeing the Lord’s patience with a frustrated man. The Lord pays attention. The Lord hears my cries of frustration. The Lord is ok with my questions. He’s much, much bigger than me, and that’s so very, very good.

Judges 6 in week fourteen of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Jonathan Brinkhorst