Seeking God's Guidance: Understanding the Concept of 'Putting Out a Fleece' in Decision-Making.

Learn about the biblical concept of putting out a fleece and seeking God's guidance in decision-making. Gain insights from the story of Gideon.

Understanding the Concept of "Putting Out a Fleece" in the Bible

Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads in life, unsure of which path to take? You desperately want to make the right decision, but you're afraid of making a mistake. In times like these, it can be helpful to turn to God for guidance. One biblical story that offers insight into seeking God's will is the story of Gideon and the concept of "putting out a fleece."

The Story of Gideon

The story of Gideon can be found in the book of Judges, chapter 6. During this time, the Israelites were being oppressed by the Midianites, who would invade their land, destroy their crops, and take away their livestock. Gideon, a man from the tribe of Manasseh, was called by God to deliver the Israelites from their oppressors and restore peace to the land.

However, Gideon was not immediately convinced that he was the right person for the job. He doubted his own abilities and questioned whether he had truly heard from God. In his uncertainty, Gideon sought confirmation from God by putting out a fleece, or a piece of wool, as a test.

Putting Out a Fleece

Putting out a fleece is a method that Gideon used to seek confirmation from God. He wanted to ensure that it was truly God speaking to him and that he understood His will correctly. Gideon asked God for a sign, a tangible proof, to validate his calling.

Gideon's request was specific. He asked God to make the fleece wet with dew while keeping the surrounding ground dry. He wanted to see if God would miraculously bring about this sign, proving that it was indeed God's voice he had heard.

God graciously agreed to Gideon's request and performed the miracle. The next morning, Gideon found the fleece wet with dew, while the ground around it remained dry. But Gideon still had doubts and asked God for another sign. This time, he asked for the fleece to remain dry while the ground around it became wet with dew. Once again, God granted Gideon's request, confirming His will to him.

The Purpose of Putting Out a Fleece

The purpose of putting out a fleece was not to test or manipulate God, but to seek His guidance and confirmation. Gideon was a man of faith, but he also struggled with doubt and uncertainty. By putting out a fleece, he was seeking reassurance and clarity in his decision-making process.

Putting out a fleece is not a formula for making decisions, nor is it a method that should be used lightly or without seeking God's wisdom. It is important to remember that God's primary desire for us is to trust Him and seek His will through prayer and aligning our hearts with His Word.

Lessons from Putting Out a Fleece

While the story of Gideon and the concept of putting out a fleece may have its roots in a specific biblical narrative, there are valuable lessons we can learn from it that can be applied to our own lives today.

1. Seeking Confirmation from God: Just like Gideon, we may find ourselves in situations where we need confirmation from God. It's okay to seek reassurance and clarity in our decision-making process. God understands our doubts and uncertainties and is willing to guide us.


2. Asking for Specific Signs: Gideon's requests for signs were specific and measurable. When we seek confirmation from God, it can be helpful to make our requests specific and measurable as well. This allows us to recognize the answers to our prayers more clearly.


3. Trusting God's Timing: Gideon put out a fleece, and God graciously answered his requests. However, it is important to note that this story is not a guarantee that God will always respond to our requests in the same way. We must trust in God's timing and wisdom, knowing that He will guide us in the best way possible.


4. Aligning with God's Word: When seeking God's guidance, it is crucial to align our desires and decisions with His Word. The Bible serves as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). It provides us with principles and wisdom that can guide our decision-making process.

In conclusion, the concept of "putting out a fleece" comes from the story of Gideon in the Bible. It is a method that Gideon used to seek confirmation from God and gain clarity in his decision-making process. While this story offers valuable insights, it is important to approach seeking God's guidance with humility, trust, and a willingness to align with His Word. God desires to lead us and guide us in His perfect will, and seeking His confirmation can be a helpful tool in our journey of faith.