Suggested Reading: Judges 6:11-32And Gideon said to him, "Please, sir, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us?And where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers recounted to us...?"
Judges 6:12-13a
Oh God, why is this happening were my first words after hanging up the phone. Having moved five times in four years, this move, to work with a Christian organization, was supposed to be the move that would begin the financial stability we desperately needed. Now, four months later, sitting in a near empty house, we were learning a difficult lesson–our chosen state of residence had laws that allowed employers to fire employees without warning or reason. The injustice done by a Christian organization was particularly painful. Where was God?
Gideon lived the upheaval of having to move frequently. Israel was under an oppressive regime that swarmed over them devouring their crops, destroying their pastures, consuming their lives. Escaping to a cave, it's no wonder, when assured of the LORD’s presence, he asks, why then has all this happened.
Sometimes we, too, are cave dwellers. Retreat seems our only choice, afraid that if we poke out our head, we will feel the smack of another blow. And we ask, why then has all this happened? In the case of Israel many of their problems were of their own making. And, even though Gideon had remained faithful to the LORD he was not immune to trouble.
The LORD never does answer Gideon’s "why" question. Instead the LORD responds by giving Gideon a task that seems beyond his ability! And when Gideon objects, the response he hears isn’t an answer but a promise...I will be with you.
Thought for the Day: How can I practice the presence of God in my life?
Jesus help me to accept the unexpected
within the security of your promise,"I will be with you."
AMEN.
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