God Even Uses Cowards
by Tim Archer on Jan.10, 2011, under Hope
I like the story of Gideon in the Old Testament of the Bible. Gideon was an Israelite who lived in a time when a foreign power, the Midianites, were constantly invading Israel. These raiders would wait until the crops were ready to harvest, then they would descend upon the land and steal everything the Israelites had worked for months to grow. It was a terrible time for the God’s people.
God used Gideon to free His people, using a small band of men armed with pitchers and torches. It’s a fascinating story that can be read in chapters 6 and 7 of the book of Judges.
There’s one aspect of the story that sometimes gets overlooked. Gideon was a coward. Time and again, we see him acting out of fear. When we first meet Gideon, he’s down in a hole, hiding from the Midianites. God tells Gideon to tear down an idol that has been erected in his village. Gideon does so… at night, because he’s afraid.
The next day the villagers come to Gideon’s house, and Gideon hides in the house while his father convinces the crowd not to harm his son.
Later in the story, when Gideon has already raised an army and has received numerous signs and messages from God, God tells him to go eavesdrop at one of the tents of the Midianites “if you are afraid.” Gideon went. Because he was still afraid.
I’m not pointing this out to attack Gideon. I’m doing this to show that God can use all of us, even the cowards among us. God shaped Gideon into the very leader his people needed.
The remarkable part of all this comes in the very first words God had for Gideon. We can read them in Judges 6: “When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.” (Judges 6:12)
Mighty warrior? Really? Remember, these words were spoken to a man standing in a hole, hiding. A man who would do his acts of heroism under cover of darkness, because he was afraid. A man who needed Daddy to protect him from the townspeople and needed a word of reassurance every step along the way.
I like that. It tells me that God sees us not as we are, but as we can be. He can look at me, with my uncertainties and fears, and say, “I’m with you, mighty warrior.” More than that, He can look at me, with all my faults and failures, and say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” He can cleanse me from sin and forget that I ever sinned in the first place.
The story of Gideon is an encouraging one for people like me, people who aren’t perfect but are willing to let God make them perfect. Maybe it’s a good story for you, as well.
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I wouldn’t necessarily call Gideon a coward. Judging from their present state of affairs, I’d have to say that his fear and apprehension was somewhat justifed. After all, he was the youngest or the least of his family(Jud.6:15), and all he had to go on was what he had heard from his forfathers, and experienced from the oppression of the Midianites (v.13). When I think of a coward I think of someone who like Gideon, recieves instruction, challenge, and even the promise from God of great victory (v.14&16)and then unlike Gideon, refuses to trust the Lord and doesn’t carry out the task set before him because of fear (v.25-27).
I see what you’re saying, Scott. I admit that the title was meant to make people think. I don’t mean to undermine Gideon’s character, I just want people to see that God uses people who have doubts and fears. Most of us can identify with that.
Thanks for commenting!
Grace and peace,
Tim Archer
I agree with Scott, Tim. Stating what Gideon did as a coward is a little harsh. But at the same time, weren’t the disciples “cowards” in the Garden of Gethesmene? Didn’t Peter, who Jesus said would be the Rock on whom His church would be built? Jesus knew we were imperfect and only with His Holy Spirit residing within us, would be ever be able to carry out the tasks God wants us to do. The true coward is one who messes up and blames someone else. In Jesus’ time, I feel the Pharisees and Sadducees’ were the epitome of cowardly behavior. Meeting at night during a festival? That’s a coward.
I like that discussion but i often stick to the word relative or subjective. And I just felt that God would always fill us up with whatever is lacking, whatever is needed just to fulfill His plans in our lives, and for His Glory.
I was never afraid of anything before I have leaned what Jesus did for me. But I have accepted that whatever character God have given us… He will make us complete and perfect in His own time.
To All…
So, I am a little confused? I know there is one interpretation of scripture, yet many applications! Someone please help me to understand both. Life for me is extremely challenging at this time. What about all that fleece? I mean come on….That is exactly how I am feeling right now. I do not know what to do. I know this choice in front of me is CRUCIAL! And yes I am scared, so scared I feel paralyzed. I am usually a pretty bold person, but I am so concerned about the life=choice in front of me, because either way it will be life altering for many people, myself included. I believe this story concerns fear and trust issues….am I off here! Someone throw me a bone! Or a piece of wool! Please! Thanks Virtue
I can appreciate all of the comments. I understand where the writer is coming and can appreciate his thought process because I have told God that “I am a coward!” In other words, if God doesn’t help me face my fears I will bolt and run like you know what!! Sorry, keeping it real!
Also, the point I take from this story is that Gideon didn’t feel adequate to fulfill what God was asking of him. And neither do I! I looked up this passage because I am writing a book, and in my preface I state how “I don’t feel qualified to write a book.” However, God reminded me that “Not many might, not many wise, not many noble are called.” I wanted to give an ex: and thought of Rahab, Gideon, and Peter in particular. So thanks Tim for your insight, I found your point of view very helpful. Regarding Virtue’s comment. . .I would say it is about fear and trust. You sound very fearful about your decision, which says to me that you don’t feel fully confident that you will be making the right choice. My question is: Are you unsure because you don’t believe you are making the right choice, but hoping it will turn out good? If you don’t have peace about it, is it necessary to make that decision right now? Whenever I have ignored my gut feelings whether to do something or not do it, I ALWAYS made the wrong decision!” Ex: I knew I should not have married the man that I married 17 yrs ago, on the 1st of April. My gut said NO! don’t do it!, but I IGNORED my gut and guess what? My marriage turned out to be a true “April Fools Day” because 10 yr into the marriage I found out that we were not “legally married!” That’s right! April Fool! The joke was on me! So that being said, don’t ignore your gut!!