The Distorted Self

Continuing the series on Gideon, Vijay looks at Judges 6.33-7.8. The passage gives us the account where Gideon tests the Lord by putting out the fleece. It also records the incident where the Lord sifts Gideon's troops from and army 32,000 soldiers to that of 300. When Gideon tests the Lord, he does so because he has a distorted view of himself. He underestimates himself. When the Lord sifts down the soldiers, the Lord reminds Gideon that he is in danger of overestimating himself. Ultimately, we are useful to the Lord, not because we have or do not have assets and gifts, but because the Lord is with us. We are completely freed from the temptation to think that our talents or resources are what help us live satisfied and complete lives. It is the presence of the Lord that allows us to live lives that matter.