When God found Gideon, he was used to losing. For seven years the Midianites had invaded and ravaged his country. Gideon did not lay down and quit; he was still thrashing wheat even though he expected it to be stolen from him. He was not a quitter, but he was becoming used to being a loser.

When the angel of the Lord told him that the Lord was with him, he wanted to know why they were still losing. He believed the Lord had abandoned Israel, and by extension, the Lord had abandoned him and his family. He wanted to know where all the miracles were. Where were all the wonders; like the ones God had performed for the Israelites when he brought them out of Egypt?

The angel of the Lord told Gideon that he was going to be the “wonder” that saved Israel. Gideon believed that God was a winner, and that God could work wonders. However, he did not believe that he himself was a winner and he did not believe that he could be a part of something wonderful. He told the angel that he was the least member of the least family of the least tribe of Israel.

Gideon saw fire consume his offering. Gideon spoke with the angel of the Lord, and after obeying God, he saw his family and clan return to faithfulness. Gideon experienced the spirit of the Lord come upon him and saw the people responded when he blew the trumpet summoning them to war. In spite of all this, Gideon felt like a loser. I did not believe Gideon doubted God could save Israel. From the text it seems to me Gideon doubted God could use him to save Israel.

Gideon’s fleece was proof of his doubt and feelings of worthlessness. It is understandable, when we feel like losers, it’s hard to believe God can really use us. We must stop feeling and start thinking. Gideon can be our fleece. God always gives victory to those who answer his call.