How often have you looked at your circumstances and thought: “God has abandoned me!” or “This is the bottom of the pit and there is surely no way out.” or “It will never get better.” 

This is exactly how Gideon was feeling when God appeared to him and called him to go in the strength he had to deliver his nation Israel from the oppressive nation of Midian, reassuring him He would be with him. 

Gideon could not believe his ears. In fact, he said, “‘Pardon me, my lord,’… ‘but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.’” Judges 6:13 

Yet, Gideon did something extraordinary. On three occasions, he boldly asked God for clear, specific signs to confirm who He was and what He was going to do through him. God answered him those three times in Judges 6:17–21, 36–38, and 39–40. 

When circumstances don’t go as well as we think they should, we usually vacillate in doubt and unbelief, but it is during those uncertain times that God delights in guiding us. When we ask for wisdom, clarity, and direction concerning a situation, He is ready to guide us. 

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5  

At no point in his interaction with Gideon do we see God reprimanding Gideon for having asked for confirmation. On the contrary, God delighted in answering him. When He perceived that Gideon still had fear in his heart, He gave him another sign that Gideon had not even asked for (Judges 7:9–15). 

Are you facing an insurmountable situation right now that needs clear direction? God yearns to direct your path. Call on Him and make your request known, and He will lead you in the path in which you should go.