Gideon showed incredible leadership once his confidence returned to him. God had to reassure him in three ways, the fire consuming the sacrifice, the wet and dry fleece, and the dream of a Midianite soldier, this all in addition to the appearance of the angel of the Lord who spoke to him.
I am glad we have this story to encourage us in our times of self-doubt and hesitation. Maybe there is a "mighty warrior" in all of us.
Gideon had to take some fear-filled steps of obedience before God was able to give him victory over his enemies. The key here is cooperation with God. Our weakness is irrelevant, but our obedience is crucial.
Another interesting observation, once Gideon was convinced that God was with him and would give him the victory, he worshipped. This was the true, heart-felt, spontaneous worship that comes with the assurance that God is with us and will bring us the victory. Gideon could have had this all the time. This is the challenge for us, too. "Blessed is he who does not see, yet believes."
