Gideon and the Wool

The Israelites were in trouble again. Mean people called Midianites kept stealing their food and animals. The Israelites had to hide in caves!

One day, a man named Gideon was hiding in a hole, trying to get wheat ready before the Midianites could steal it.

An angel appeared! 'Hello, mighty warrior! God is with you!'

Gideon looked around. 'Me? Mighty warrior? Are you sure? And if God is with us, why are we in so much trouble? I'm the least important person in my family, and my family is the least important in our tribe!'

God said, 'Go save Israel. I'm sending YOU.'

'But how do I know this is really from You?' Gideon asked.

God gave him a sign. Fire came from a rock and burned up Gideon's offering! Then the angel disappeared!

Gideon believed—but he was still a little scared. When it was time to fight the Midianites, Gideon asked God for MORE signs.

'God, I'll put fluffy wool outside tonight. If there's water on the wool but the ground is dry, I'll know You want me to do this.'

In the morning, Gideon squeezed the wool—a whole bowl of water came out! But the ground was dry. WOW!

'Um, God? One more test? This time make the wool DRY and the ground WET.'

The next morning, the wool was dry and the ground was wet!

God was so patient with Gideon. He didn't get mad at Gideon for being scared or having doubts. He kept showing Gideon that He was real and that He would help.

God can use anyone—even people who feel weak and scared!