Fear, Faithfulness, and Gideon: A Biblical Perspective

 

Battle of Gideon Against the Midianites
Judges 6-7
Photo Source: Logos Media

Old Testament Story: Gideon’s Fear and God’s Faithfulness (Judges 6-7)

          One of the most well-known and influential stories in the Old Testament is the story of Gideon in Judges 6-7. Gideon was an unlikely, fearful man whom God called to lead Israel against the Midianites, a powerful enemy that had been oppressing Israel for years. At first, Gideon was paralyzed by fear—he doubted himself, he doubted God, and he constantly looked for signs and reassurance before taking action (and this was not a good thing; see my earlier blog on Not Putting Out Your Fleece).

          Yet, through God’s guidance, Gideon moved from fear to faith—not because of his own strength, but because he learned to trust in God’s power and obey despite his fears. His story is a good illustration of how we can overcome fear biblically using the principles from our biblical counseling approach to fear and anxiety. So today, I'd like to offer some encouragement and a biblical perspective for those who may struggle with fear or anxiety along these lines.  Let's see what we can learn from God's Word and the story of Gideon regarding this matter.

1. Gideon's Fear: Doubting God's Plan (Judges 6:11-16)

A. Fear Often Stems from a Lack of Trust in God's Presence and Power
          The first time we see Gideon, he is hiding in a winepress, threshing wheat in secret because he is afraid of the Midianites (Judges 6:11). This is not the picture of a bold, confident leader—it is the image of a man who is terrified, insecure, and convinced that his situation is hopeless.
 
          When the Angel of the Lord appears to Gideon, He says something shocking:

          "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior!" (Judges 6:12)

          Gideon immediately responds with doubt:

          "If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened? Where are all His wonders that our

           ancestors told us about?" (Judges 6:13)

          Instead of focusing on God’s power, Gideon focuses on his circumstances. He assumes that if things are difficult, God must have abandoned him.

Biblical Counseling Insight:

• Fear often comes from forgetting God’s presence and power.
• Gideon’s first problem wasn’t the Midianites—it was his lack of trust in God’s sovereignty.
• When we dwell on our problems instead of God’s promises, fear takes over.

Application:

• Instead of dwelling on what you can’t control, meditate on who God is.
• God is always present, even when circumstances seem overwhelming.

2. Gideon's Fear of Inadequacy: "I'm Too Weak" (Judges 6:14-16)

A. Fear Often Comes from a Wrong View of Ourselves
          After questioning God’s presence, Gideon then questions himself. When God calls him to save Israel, he immediately gives excuses: "But Lord... how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family!" (Judges 6:15)

          Gideon believes he is too weak, too unqualified, and too insignificant to do what God is asking. But God does not respond by telling Gideon he is stronger than he thinks. Instead, God simply says:  "I will be with you." (Judges 6:16)

          The solution to fear is not self-confidence but God-confidence.

Biblical Counseling Insight:

• Fear magnifies our weaknesses, but faith magnifies God’s strength.
• Anxiety says, "I can’t do this." Faith says, "I don’t have to—God is with me."
• Fear is defeated when we shift our focus from ourselves to God’s power.

Application:

• Stop focusing on your inadequacy and start trusting in God's sufficiency.
• You don’t need to be strong—God is strong for you.

3. Gideon's Fear of Obedience: Testing God Instead of Trusting Him (Judges 6:36-40)

A. Fear Delays Obedience Through Doubt
          Even after God reassures Gideon, he still hesitates. He asks God for multiple signs before he is willing to act. He lays out a fleece and asks God to make it wet while the ground stays dry, and then he asks for the opposite the next night (Judges 6:36-40). Why? Because Gideon still wants to feel in control. He is afraid of stepping out in faith without extra assurance.

Biblical Counseling Insight:

• Fear often shows up as delayed obedience.
• Faith does not require constant signs—it requires trusting God's Word.
• Anxiety makes us hesitate; faith moves forward in obedience.

Application:

• Obey even when you don’t feel ready. Trust that God will equip you as you step forward.
• Stop waiting for “more signs” when God has already spoken in His Word.

4. Gideon's Victory: Trusting God's Power (Judges 7:1-22)

A. God's Strength Is Made Perfect in Weakness
          When Gideon finally obeys, God does something shocking. He reduces Gideon’s army from 32,000 men to just 300! (Judges 7:2-8). Why? Because God says: "You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, saying, ‘My own strength has saved me.’" (Judges 7:2)

          God wants Gideon to know that victory doesn’t come from human strength but from God’s power alone. When Gideon and his 300 men attack, they don’t even fight. They blow trumpets, break jars, and shout, "A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!"—and God causes the Midianites to panic and destroy themselves! (Judges 7:19-22).

Biblical Counseling Insight:

• Fear tells us we need to be strong, but God teaches us to rely on His strength.
• Victory over fear happens when we surrender control and trust God completely.
• When God works through our weakness, He gets the glory.

Application:

• Stop trying to control everything—trust God to fight your battles.
• Victory over fear is not about getting yourself stronger or more resilient; it’s about trusting in the One who already is.

5. Conclusion: How Gideon Overcame Fear

• He shifted his focus from his circumstances to God's presence. (v. 6:12-13)
• He stopped looking at his own weakness and trusted in God's strength. (v. 6:14-16)
• He moved from hesitation to obedience. (Judges 6:36-40)
• He let God fight the battle instead of trying to control the outcome. (Judges 7:1-22)

6. Final Challenge:

• Are you letting fear control your life, or are you trusting God’s presence and power?
• Will you stop waiting for a sign and start obeying in faith?
• Do you believe that God’s strength is enough for you?

Closing Prayer:
"Lord, help us to trust in Your strength, not our own. Give us faith to obey, even when we feel afraid. Teach us to rely on Your presence and to walk in courage, knowing You go before us. In Jesus’ name, Amen."

Gideon’s story is a perfect example of how to overcome fear biblically. He started out afraid, insecure, and doubting—but as he shifted his focus from himself to God, he learned to walk in faith! We must do the same. Fear may seem overwhelming, but God’s power is always greater.

Would you like to read more on anxiety?  Have a look at this article on how the Bible points the anxious heart to treasure Christ and His heavenly kingdom by K. Christensen on the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC) website: Trace Your Anxieties Back to Your Treasure

"Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”   -- John 3:3

Have you been born again?  The Bible says all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and that the wages of sin is death.  However, there is Good News!  The Bible also says that the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 3:23 and 6:23).  Is Jesus Christ your personal Lord and Savior?  If not, why not?