In Judges, chapter six, verse seventeen, Gideon put out a fleece to strengthen his faith and bolster his confidence that God had called him to deliver Israel. The request from Gideon was for reassurance accompanied by an attitude of faith, humility, and obedience. The God who understands human nature responded with love and grace. All God’s children have a right to ask to strengthen their faith. Even those filled with the Spirit may experience fear or uncertainty in natural circumstances.
The Lord, Israel’s God, has commanded Gideon to save Israel from the Midianites in verses eleven through sixteen. He has promised to be with Gideon and to give him victory. Looking back at this verse: it’s reasonable to wonder about Gideon’s motives for making this request. His actions later suggest a man who struggles with doubt and skepticism in verses twenty-seven and thirty-six through forty, respectively. It’s unclear if Gideon is trying to verify that this message comes from God or to prove the opposite so he can be free of responsibility.
In either case, he asks the Lord for a sign to show it is the Lord God speaking. It’s not unreasonable to verify messages to see if they’re from God, as in Deuteronomy eighteen, twenty-two, Acts seventeen eleven 17, and First John four one, respectively. It’s less justified to ask for more proof than necessary or more evidence when God has already given it, as in Matthew twelve thirty-nine and Luke four twenty-four through twenty-eight. As far as Gideon is concerned, the Lord has already stated that He is with Gideon. It seems likely that He will graciously agree to Gideon’s test and, even more graciously, to several that follow.
Sometimes as believers, we tend to question things God would have in our path in life. However, the best thing we should do is ask God because the enemy would attempt to cast doubt in our minds, but we do not have to consider it but reject it with a word from scripture to get the thought instead of speaking out what comes.