Moving Forward in Faith Despite Uncertainty

Devotional

Day 1: God Confirms His Calling Even When We Doubt

God is not deterred by our questions or uncertainties; He patiently provides confirmation and assurance, just as He did for Gideon, so that we can move forward in obedience even when we feel unqualified or unsure. When we bring our doubts and fears to God, He responds not with anger but with reassurance, reminding us that His presence and calling are not dependent on our past or our perceived inadequacies. He knows our story, our background, and our weaknesses, yet He still chooses to use us for His glory. Like Gideon, we may need signs or confirmation, and God graciously provides them, inviting us to trust Him and step into what He has prepared for us. [01:29:47]

Judges 6:36-40 (ESV)
Then Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said, behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said.” And it was so. When he rose early next morning and squeezed the fleece, he wrung enough dew from the fleece to fill a bowl with water. Then Gideon said to God, “Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more. Please let me test just once more with the fleece. Please let it be dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground let there be dew.” And God did so that night; and it was dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground there was dew.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel unqualified or unsure about God’s calling? Can you ask God today for a specific confirmation and be open to how He might answer?

Day 2: Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice

God desires our obedience above all else, even when we are afraid or uncertain; He honors those who move forward in faith, trusting Him more than their fears or circumstances. Sometimes, obedience means acting even when we are trembling, just as Gideon obeyed God’s instructions at night because he was afraid. God is not looking for perfection or fearlessness—He is looking for a willing heart that says “yes” despite trembling hands. Our obedience, even when it is accompanied by fear, is precious to God and opens the door for His power to work in and through us. [01:32:40]

1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV)
And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.”

Reflection: Is there something God is asking you to do that you’ve been putting off because of fear? What is one small step of obedience you can take today, even if you’re still afraid?

Day 3: God’s Confirmation Comes in Many Ways

God graciously provides confirmation of His will through His Word, the Holy Spirit, godly counsel, peace, and the timing of circumstances; He wants us to be sure of His direction and not be paralyzed by uncertainty. When you are not sure, God does not rebuke you for seeking confirmation—instead, He invites you to seek Him in Scripture, listen for the Spirit’s prompting, seek wise counsel, notice the peace He gives, and observe how circumstances align. You don’t need all five at once, but God will make His direction clear in the way you need, so you can move forward with confidence. [01:46:55]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Reflection: Which of the five ways God confirms His will (Word, Spirit, counsel, peace, timing) do you most need to pay attention to right now? How can you intentionally seek God’s confirmation in that area today?

Day 4: God’s Power Is Made Perfect in Our Weakness

God often reduces our resources or removes our sense of security so that we will rely fully on Him and recognize that victory comes from His hand alone, not from our own strength or numbers. Just as God reduced Gideon’s army from 32,000 to 300, He sometimes strips away our supports so that when the breakthrough comes, we know it was God and not us. This is not to discourage us, but to deepen our trust and dependence on Him, so that He alone gets the glory for the victory. [01:54:16]

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Reflection: Where do you feel outnumbered or overwhelmed right now? How might God be inviting you to trust Him more deeply and rely on His strength instead of your own?

Day 5: Assurance of Salvation and God’s Unchanging Love

God wants you to be sure of your salvation and His love for you, regardless of your past or your doubts; He invites you to receive His confirmation and walk in the confidence that you are His, now and forever. No matter your background, resume, or the mistakes you’ve made, God’s grace is greater. He is not ashamed of your story and wants you to be certain of your relationship with Him. Today, you can settle the question of your salvation and rest in the assurance that you are loved, chosen, and secure in Christ. [02:04:17]

Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Reflection: Are you sure of your relationship with God and your salvation? If not, what is holding you back from receiving His assurance and stepping into the confidence of His unchanging love today?

Sermon Summary

Life is a journey filled with valleys and mountains, setbacks and victories, and sometimes the weight of the journey can make us question if we should keep going. But when we look back at all God has brought us through, we realize we’ve come too far to turn around now. Even when we’re not sure how things will work out, we’re called to keep moving forward in faith, trusting that God is with us every step of the way. The story of Gideon in Judges 6 reminds us that God often calls the least likely, those who feel unqualified or uncertain, to do great things for His glory. Gideon’s doubts and questions didn’t disqualify him; instead, God patiently provided confirmation and peace, showing that He is not threatened by our uncertainty but desires our obedience.

Obedience is not just a season but a lifestyle. God wants us to walk in obedience, even when the path is unclear or when fear tries to hold us back. The enemy will do everything possible to keep us from fully surrendering to God’s will, but God is more concerned with our willingness to trust Him than with our complaints or fears. Like Gideon, we may feel unworthy or question if God can really use us, but God knows our past and still calls us forward. He provides confirmation in various ways—through His Word, the Holy Spirit, godly counsel, peace, and the timing of circumstances—so that we can move forward with confidence.

Sometimes, God will even reduce our resources or support system, as He did with Gideon’s army, to ensure that when victory comes, we know it was only by His hand. The journey may require us to step out in faith while still feeling afraid, but God honors obedience, not perfection. When we trust Him, even in our uncertainty, He brings confirmation, conviction, and ultimately, victory. The invitation is open to all who are unsure—to seek God’s confirmation, to trust His calling, and to step into the assurance of salvation and purpose that He offers.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Call Is Not Limited by Our Past or Weaknesses God often chooses those who feel least qualified, like Gideon, to fulfill His purposes. Our backgrounds, failures, or perceived inadequacies do not disqualify us from being used by God. He knows our entire story and still calls us forward, focusing not on where we’ve been but on what He wants to do through us. [89:47]
2. Obedience in Uncertainty Is Still Obedience God does not require us to have all the answers before we move; He simply asks for our obedience, even when we are afraid or unsure. Gideon acted at night out of fear, but he still acted, showing that courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to move forward despite it. God honors steps of faith, no matter how trembling they may be. [91:55]
3. God Welcomes Our Questions and Provides Confirmation Asking God for confirmation is not a sign of weak faith but of a sincere desire to follow Him rightly. God patiently provided Gideon with multiple signs and did not rebuke him for seeking assurance. In our own lives, God confirms His direction through His Word, the Holy Spirit, godly counsel, peace, and the alignment of circumstances, meeting us in our uncertainty. [99:33]
4. Victory Often Requires Letting Go of the Crowd Sometimes, God will intentionally reduce our resources or the people around us so that we learn to depend solely on Him. Like Gideon’s shrinking army, God may strip away what we think we need, not to harm us, but to show that the victory comes from Him alone. This pruning process can be uncomfortable, but it positions us for a testimony that glorifies God, not ourselves. [112:59]
5. Assurance and Salvation Are Available to All Who Seek God’s greatest desire is not just to confirm our calling but to assure us of our salvation and relationship with Him. No matter our doubts or the uncertainty of our past, we can be sure of our standing with God through faith in Christ. The invitation is always open to come, be sure, and walk in the confidence of God’s love and purpose for our lives. [124:17]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[69:13] - Declaration: I’ve Come Too Far
[70:45] - Scripture Reading: Judges 6
[72:40] - Prayer for Anointing and Clarity
[75:01] - When You’re Not Sure
[76:04] - The Enemy’s Opposition to Obedience
[80:19] - Israel’s Cry and God’s Response
[82:56] - Gideon’s Doubts and God’s Assurance
[88:54] - God’s Call to the Least Likely
[91:55] - Obedience Despite Fear
[93:12] - God Will Fight for You
[98:12] - Gideon’s Army and the Need for Confirmation
[99:33] - Five Ways God Confirms His Will
[105:21] - The Peace of God as Confirmation
[108:18] - God Reduces Gideon’s Army
[112:59] - The 300: God’s Chosen Few
[115:06] - Trusting God When You’re Not Sure
[124:17] - Assurance of Salvation
[131:24] - Community and Announcements
[134:45] - Prayer and Giving
[138:49] - Benediction and Closing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Judges 6:36–40 (ESV) — 36 Then Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said, 37 behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said.” 38 And it was so. When he rose early next morning and squeezed the fleece, he wrung enough dew from the fleece to fill a bowl with water. 39 Then Gideon said to God, “Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more. Please let me test just once more with the fleece. Please let it be dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground let there be dew.” 40 And God did so that night; and it was dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground there was dew.

Observation Questions

What specific sign did Gideon ask God for, and how did God respond to his request?
According to the sermon, what was Gideon’s initial reaction when God called him to lead Israel? [[01:29:47]]
How did God reduce Gideon’s army, and what was the reason given for this reduction? [[01:52:59]]
What are the five ways the pastor said God confirms His will in our lives? [[01:39:33]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God was patient with Gideon’s doubts and requests for confirmation, instead of rebuking him? [[01:39:33]]
The sermon says, “Obedience is not just a season but a lifestyle.” What does it mean for obedience to be a lifestyle rather than just a one-time act? [[01:15:01]]
Why might God intentionally reduce our resources or support system, as He did with Gideon’s army? What does this teach us about dependence on God? [[01:52:59]]
The pastor said God is more concerned with our willingness to trust Him than with our complaints or fears. How does this perspective change the way we approach God with our doubts? [[01:22:56]]

Application Questions

Gideon felt unqualified and doubted God’s call because of his background and weaknesses. Have you ever felt like God couldn’t use you because of your past or your insecurities? What would it look like to trust God’s call anyway? [[01:29:47]]
The sermon emphasized that obedience in uncertainty is still obedience. Is there an area in your life right now where you feel unsure, but sense God is asking you to take a step of faith? What’s holding you back? [[01:31:55]]
The pastor listed five ways God confirms His will: His Word, the Holy Spirit, godly counsel, peace, and the timing of circumstances. Which of these have you experienced most clearly in your own life? Which do you struggle to recognize? [[01:39:33]]
Sometimes God “prunes” our support system so we have to depend on Him alone. Has there been a time when you lost resources or people you thought you needed, but saw God work anyway? How did that experience shape your faith? [[01:52:59]]
The sermon said God honors obedience, not perfection. Are you waiting to “have it all together” before you obey God? What is one imperfect step you could take this week to move forward in faith? [[01:31:55]]
The invitation at the end of the sermon was to seek assurance of salvation and purpose. Are you sure of your relationship with God? If not, what’s one step you can take this week to seek that assurance? [[02:04:17]]
The pastor encouraged the congregation not to let fear or the opinions of others keep them from obeying God. Is there a “crowd” in your life whose approval you’re seeking more than God’s? How can you shift your focus to God’s approval this week? [[01:52:59]]

Sermon Clips

But that doesn't mean I won't hear you when you cry that doesn't mean I won't come and see about you I wish I had somebody that ever had to call on God and you knew you was wrong I wish I had somebody that God had to come and see about you and you knew you was messed up I wish I had somebody in here that can say God will show up for you even when you go in the wrong direction he will answer your cry for help and I'm so glad that God will answer us when we call. [01:23:37] (32 seconds) #GodAnswersOurCries

But what I love about God is God is not concerned about our complaints. He's concerned about our obedience. That God doesn't even flinch at what Gideon is saying. Because what he understands is Gideon is talking out of his flesh. And because Gideon is talking out of his flesh, God said, I'm not concerned about why you're asking me. Why are you going through what you're going through? Just keep trusting me while you're going through. [01:27:48] (29 seconds) #GodValuesObedienceNotComplaints

He said don't worry I understand who I'm calling I understand who I'm talking to I know your resume I know where you've been I was there with you I've seen it even before you did it I know who I'm talking to I understand everything you did and I know who you did it with and when you did it but I'm still calling you I'm still calling you. [01:30:26] (28 seconds) #ObedienceDespiteFear

That when I have peace about something, I am absolutely sure that God is moving me in that direction. When I have the peace of God, there's nothing that can move me off of what God is speaking. When I get that peace that nothing else matters and God is pushing me and moving me in a direction, that is one sign of my confirmation of what God is speaking in my life. It may be hard, but I got peace. It may be raining, but I got peace. I may not have people in my corner, but when I get peace about it, I am convinced that God is moving me in that direction. [01:45:37] (41 seconds) #LimitYourCircleForVictory

So you can't leave here today and say, Pastor said what to do when you're not sure, and he didn't give us nothing to take with us. I done gave you five things to take with you. Here it is, I'm going to give it to you again. So you have it. First of all, you get confirmation in his word. You get confirmation through the Holy Spirit. You get confirmation through godly counsel, godly counsel, godly counsel. You get confirmation through peace that comes from God. And you get confirmation through your circumstance timing. You'll know when you're not sure. [01:46:55] (35 seconds) #ObedienceLeadsToMiracles

``I need you to understand that I will work a miracle in your life if you just be obedient to me and do what I've asked you to do. And I came to tell somebody today that when you are not sure, here's your three points, you can take them with you and we're ready to go to the house, that when you are not sure, God will give you confirmation. He will confirm what he is calling you to do. And not only will he give you confirmation, after he gives you confirmation, he'll give you conviction that you will do what he has called you to do. That you will have a made up mind that I'm going with Jesus all the way and I'm not turning around and I'm not turning back. He's been with me. I'm gonna keep on going and I have the conviction to get the victory. And that's the last thing he gives you is victory. [01:55:28] (52 seconds) #ObedienceUnlocksGodsUse

There is no secret to what God can do, that yes God can use you, you don't even need to look at your neighbor, he wants to use you, but he needs your obedience. [02:11:19] (29 seconds)

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