Gideon’s fleece may be one of the more colloquially quoted stories that Christians use. You see, Gideon was called out by the angel of God as a mighty warrior—one who would lead Israel against the Midianites (the ones stealing all of their food). But like you or me, Gideon was afraid.

Afraid he might not have what it takes to lead a country in battle. He was a man of faith, but even the mighty warriors feel inadequate when God calls.

It’s what makes us human.

But the good news is that God knows this. He knows our fears and those doubts that hold us back. It doesn’t stop God from calling us into something greater, but it does give God a little compassion when He gazes upon us.

So Gideon asks God for confirmation. Confirmation that God will be with him in battle. Confirmation that God has indeed called Gideon to stand up against Israel’s oppressor.

He asks for God to put dew on the fleece while the rest of the threshing floor (remember Gideon’s hiding place?) remains dry overnight. Gideon awakens to find things just as he asked.

But it’s not enough.

Gideon then asks God to do the opposite—make the fleece dry while the floor is wet. And does God punish Gideon for his lack of faith? No, He gently answers Gideon’s prayer and the fleece is dry the next morning, while the floor is covered in dew.

It’s ok to doubt.

It’s ok to have fears.

It’s ok to ask God for confirmation of His call.

Are you feeling God calling you into something more? Something that might require more of you than you think you have to offer?

It’s ok to ask God.

Because God is for you, and He is for your calling. Because like Gideon, your calling will bring about new intimacies with God, and it will also benefit those God has placed around you.

What’s stopping you from putting out your fleece?