What is “putting out a fleece,” and is it appropriate for us to do today (6:37–40)?
As in the account of Gideon, “putting out a fleece’’ often describes a specific action that “tests” God’s approval or disapproval with regard to a particular decision. We need to be cautious when seeking to follow Gideon’s approach to discerning the will of God. First, there are many warnings in Scripture regarding “putting God to the test (ex., Deuteronomy 6:16).” Second, there are very few examples of God’s people using this as a method to test God’s purposes. Whenever seeking to assure ourselves that we have heard the Lord’s direction, it is always prudent to make sure each proposed direction is supported (or not forbidden) by Scripture. One should also prayerfully consider the input of other mature believers (Proverbs 15:22).
