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    Of all the Judges, perhaps of all the men in the Old Testament, Gideon is the one that I most aspire to be like. Gideon was a faithful and cautious man, determined to do God’s will and determined to ensure that it was God’s will that he was doing. Often, we are shocked by Gideon’s audacity at directly demanding that God give him signs before he acted, but those actions served a very good purpose.
    Gideon’s tests show that he understood God’s will. Gideon wanted to act according to God’s purpose and not to be deceived into doing something he should not do. Because of that, he tested the spirit that told him to break down the alter of Baal and to march against the Midianites. He tested that Spirit by trusting the Word that he knew and understood.
    We too can test the spirits of this modern age to determine whether they are from God or from the world because we have been blessed with the Word of God. That Word, the Bible, allows us to compare what is going on around us to what God would have us do in service of His kingdom. Just like Gideon, we can easily discern when something is from our God and when something is of the devil, the world, or our own sinful flesh, simply by looking at what God has already told us.
    And once we have determined the nature of what is before us, we can act according to God’s will, fulfilling His purpose for us and advancing the Kingdom of Heaven. Do not be afraid to test your faith. Look to the Word, and use that Word as a lens by which you test everything you do and say. The Word will not fail you, and you will be bless by the strengthening of your faith.
DLH
