Excerpt from Judges 6:36-40
 
"Gideon said to God, 'If this is right, if you are using me to save Israel as you've said, then look: I'm placing a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If dew is on the fleece only, but the floor is dry, then I know that you will use me to save Israel, as you said.'"

Reflection by Ron Buford

Colin Powell once said he was proud of being called a "reluctant warrior." Powell is typical of warriors who risked their own lives to save others and who can also never erase the brain-searing memories of horrific death and human carnage--of friends and enemies, comrades and combatants, all believing they were "right." Such warriors are rarely eager to go to war--stereotypes notwithstanding. So it is with Gideon: if he is going to battle, he wants to be absolutely certain his cause is just, that it is God's will.

Each day we face battles. Some days we take on battles that satisfy our egos but that leave behind human and spiritual carnage. Is it worth it? Have you looked at what it costs you to be right? Is it at the center of God's divine purpose for you, your family, those for whom you are responsible? Slow down; take time to be mindful today.

Prayer

Gracious God, thank you for the gift of divine choice. May my choices and actions today maximize your divine presence, power, and creativity in the world, in my home, for good in the world. Amen.

About the Author Ron Buford, former coordinator of the UCC's God is still speaking campaign, consults with religious and nonprofit organizations, leads workshops, and preaches in churches across the U.S. and U.K. Ron also appears in the DVD-based progressive theology series, Living the Questions 2.0.

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