Like many in our culture, he’s spiritual. At 17, he’s rejected the organized religion of his parents and grandparents as stodgy, stuffy—stifling. He attends church because that’s what his girlfriend does.

The limitations of science compel him to believe in a god. But the evil, the unfairness, and the hypocrisy he observes force him to conclude that this god is not all-powerful or loving. To his credit, he will not accept the cheap and thoughtless, “Just have faith.” Faith must have its reasons, or it is foolish (2 Corinthians 10:4).

As a small-group leader, I suggested he pray a challenge to God: “Ask God to show Himself to you.” Weeks later he cornered me. “I’ve got to tell you about God and a goose,” he said. Then he described how he retreats to a quiet pond that’s home to numerous ducks and rabbits. On one particular day, he asked God if he could see a goose instead of the ducks. He got there and there were no ducks. No rabbits. No goose. He lingered and then turned to leave, disappointed. Glancing wistfully over his shoulder, he saw a solitary goose in the middle of the pond.

Gideon put out the first “fleece.” He was an unassuming farmer hiding from an oppressive enemy when God called him to lead a revolution (see Judges 6:34). Still developing faith and confidence in God, Gideon put out a fleece and made specific demands. “If You are truly going to use me to rescue Israel as You promised, prove it to me,” he said. God graciously gave Him an answer (vv.36-40).

We all have questions and doubts on our faith-journey. “Fleeces” aren’t recommended, but earnestly seeking God and carefully considering what’s He’s teaching us through the stuff of life is faith-building. Got questions? Go to the Source.