A Reminder of Faith for Anyone Who’s Ever Doubted

I want to talk about Gideon. His story, which begins in Judges 6 (NLT is the version I use), had one of the biggest impacts on me when I first read it. I just love it.

Here’s a little background:

At the time, Israel was starving under the rule of the Midianites (the not-so-great guys of the time). Everything felt hopeless. And here’s Gideon — hiding grain under a tree so the Midianites wouldn’t steal it. (I love that detail because it’s so human and relatable.) That’s when the Lord appears to him.

God tells Gideon to worship Him and reassures him: “The Lord is with you, mighty hero.” And Gideon’s response? He immediately questions God. He basically says, If the Lord is with us, then why has all this happened? Hasn’t the Lord abandoned us?

As the conversation continues, Gideon points out that his clan is the weakest in the entire tribe of Manasseh, and that he himself is the least in his family. How am I supposed to rescue Israel? he asks. But God simply says, “I will be with you.”

What’s so powerful and relatable to me is that Gideon still asks for a sign — actually, he asks for more than one. But it’s not out of anger or rebellion. He’s not questioning God maliciously. He just wants to be sure. And I think that’s something so many of us can connect with, especially if we’re on a journey back to faith.

When I first read it, I could almost feel Gideon’s desperation. The longing for it to really be God. The ache of not wanting to feel alone anymore — because sometimes, when you’re lost and on a spiritual journey, it can feel incredibly isolating. And you just really want it to be God.

There have been moments in my own journey back to Christ when I’ve honestly wondered: Is God really there? I think when you’re lost in spirit, it’s really easy to place blame on God, and when I’ve read through scripture, I’ve really developed a better understanding of my own purpose through Christ. As well as an understanding that struggle is not only promised in this life, but it is the tool that is used to shape us.

And here’s what’s amazing — God proves Himself to Gideon. Twice.

Gideon, who felt weak, insecure, maybe even betrayed, is met by God right where he is. And God tells him exactly who He is. He reminds him: I am with you. This is the same spot I feel like God met me. When I was completely broken, he showed me he never left.

This story brought me to tears because it shows how deeply God loves us. Even when we doubt. Even when we feel weak or unsure. He doesn’t turn away. He meets us in our questions and in our struggles. And He reminds us of who we are.

Final Thoughts

I think there are so many different stories in Scripture that we can relate to. And when you’re in a place where your spirit feels misaligned, you can truly relate to Gideon. I’ve definitely been there—more than once. In those moments of trying to realign your heart with Christ, Gideon’s story is such a powerful reminder that God is with us, even when we feel alone. We are not forgotten. God meets us exactly where we are, with patience and love.