Original Broadcast: July 2009
Monthly Theme: The Judges of Israel
"But sir," Gideon replied, "if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? ...
The LORD has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian."
(Judges 6:13)
Gideon asked the question that's on everyone's mind. Yes, someone actually asked God about the reason for evil in the world. Especially evil to God's chosen people. Does God give him an answer? Absolutely. He says, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" (v14). Gideon continued to pry into that assignment because he was the youngest son in the smallest family of weakest clan of Manasseh, the smallest tribe. How could someone as insignificant as him deliver Israel?
Only with God's strength. That's the only way to overcome the doubts of God's presence when calamity strikes the lives of the faithful. Peter tells us that very thing, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you" (1 Peter 4:12).
God's answer throughout Scripture to this question is that you are asking the wrong question. The question isn't, "Why is this happening to me?" The question should be, "What good will God make out of this testing?" The testing will come. The Bible promises that. It's not our place to doubt God's Word, as Gideon did. It's ours to take hold of the calamity that has befallen us and strive to see God's hand in it and God's path through it. St. Paul reminds us, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. ... But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it" (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Trials come, but God is still at work. Trust in Him and believe that He will see you through. Amen.
