The God who waits

From The Great God of Gideon series.  

It might be helpful to read Judges 6:11-17 before you go on.

At this point in this passage, Gideon has received the message that God wants him to go stand up and fight those oppressing his people.  Gideon had some reservations, citing his weaknesses but has received God’s assurance that He will be “with” Gideon as obeys.

And then, Gideon doubts again. 

"Gideon replied, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me. Please do not go away until I come back and bring my offering and set it before you…”" Judges 6:17–18 (NIV)

Remember at the beginning of the series when I had confided that I kind of felt like Gideon was an example of “what not to do”?  It’s because of moments like this.  At this point in their interaction, I have thought that Gideon should show his great faith by turning around and leaving to go obey God.  God has said what he wants Gideon to do.  He has assured Gideon He will be with him and that Gideon will be successful. 

But Gideon isn’t ready.  He’s concerned.  Maybe he’s thinking: “I am not so sure you are really God…” Maybe he wondered if it was all a hallucination… who knows? 

So Gideon boldly, but respectfully, asks God for a sign… and then He asks God to wait!

Can you believe it?!  Asking the Lord of the Universe to “wait a minute while I go get something”?  It seems a bit absurd to me, but then, remember how I shared that God was challenging me to stop looking so much at Gideon in this passage and look at God himself?

So, if I turn my attention from Gideon to God I wonder, how does God respond to this request?

“…I will stay till you return.”  (Judges 6:18 NIV)

Now, I ask myself, why does this response surprise me?  What do I believe about God that this response surprises me?

“…I will stay till you return.”  (Judges 6:18 NIV)  No Hurry.  No Worry.  God will wait.  There was enough time -- though times were dangerous -- for Gideon to go, butcher and cook a goat, and make some bread.  That had to take the whole day!  God has time.  There is enough time for God to do all he has planned and purposed to do. 

Not only does God wait He… well, we’ll leave the next piece for next week!

For now, join me in praising the God who is not in a hurry, but has time to wait for us when we need it!

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