Gideon’s experience in Judges 6-7 teach us a great deal about prayer. Like this timid, reluctant and frustrated leader, we often toil away in our own strength at things that don’t really help much, rather than inviting God into our challenges and letting Him empower our leadership. But one life-changing day Gideon had a conversation with God as “the Angel of the Lord” that has deeply challenged me about my own prayer life.
Gideon was weak when his extended conversation with God began, but God loves to use weak people. Though God initiated the conversation, Gideon did most of the talking, at first. Then, after questions and fleeces, there was a moment of surrender, when Gideon gave his fears, desires and plans over to God. After that, God did most of the talking, and acting.
Gideon never had to say, “God said obey me …” to the people he led. He simply acted with a new boldness that came out of his personal conversation with God. And the people gladly followed him in his obedience to God, with a powerful result that brought God glory, and His people victory.
That’s the kind of prayer encounter I need. Gideon was a small man and a reluctant, fearful leader. But all that changed when he engaged God in extended, serious prayer.