There are several biblical accounts of occasions when sheep were being “fleeced,” times of shearing. Every incident was connected with something very bad, but every time God used it to bring forward His purpose and to manifest His good pleasure.

Gideon was always unconventional. He threshed wheat in a winepress (Judg. 6:11). On one level, his story provides simple lessons for faith. On another, the little details are rich in symbolism. Wine in Scripture symbolizes joy. In a time of famine, he provided food for God’s people—not junk food but wheat, symbolic of Christ’s perfect humanity. Do you really need to moan with sadness when outward circumstances are difficult? Gideon knew, like Nehemiah, “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Neh. 8:10). When things are not going well for us as Christians, this is just what we need: feeding on Christ with joy!

Regarding Gideon’s fleece, some people try to use the idea as a technique for getting divine guidance. “If situation A occurs, then I will do this; if situation B, then I will do that.” But this misuses Gideon’s example. He knew exactly what God wanted. There was no “this or that.” He just wanted reassurance.

God is so gracious with us. Usually He gives us firstly a conviction that He wants us to do a certain thing. If we move forward in it, as Gideon did (Judg. 6:33–35), God then provides external indications to validate our inward conviction. This is the first lesson of Gideon’s fleece.