Faith’s Hall of Fame: Gideon

Faith’s Hall of Fame: Gideon

Hebrews 11:32

“And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon…”

Have you ever heard this phrase? “God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.”

That saying is intended to get you to think about your life and God’s will. I’d like you to think about everything you know about Gideon in Judges 6. Feel free to read it for a minute or two, if you can.

Gideon’s story does not start well. He is first mentioned while hiding in fear from his enemies. When an angel appeared to tell him of God’s plan to use him, the angel said:

Judges 6:12

“The LORD is with you, O valiant warrior.”

The sarcasm was intended. The angel wanted Gideon to know that God would use him not because of his strength but because of his faith.

Gideon had weaknesses. He had doubts about his own worthiness and even about God’s plan. But here is why Gideon’s story is a faith changer: Gideon obeyed even when he didn’t understand.

He destroyed his father’s idols, he rounded up a secret army of tens of thousands, and he sent thousands and thousands of his troops home when God told him to do it.

That seemed crazy. All that remained of his army was 300 warriors—but that is exactly where God wanted him. God wanted the world to know that the victory would come from Him, not the strength of man.

Gideon’s story is important because it shows that God can use anyone to display His glory. God called him a “mighty man of valor” (6:12) before he did anything courageous. That was not just sarcasm or an insult—it was prophetic. God sees what He can make of you, not just what you are now.

But it also tells us that our faith can grow if we listen and obey. God patiently led Gideon through his doubts and fears. Faith often starts trembling but grows as we act on God’s Word.

That’s the real lesson of Gideon: God can use you and grow you even when you don’t see the plan.