Gideon replied, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me” (Judg. 6:17).

Gideon needs only to trust what God can and will do, the very thing the people of God have been reluctant to do, then and now.

Our faith is only finished through Christ, and we really only experience that joy of completion through suffering.

“Search me, God, and know my heart . . . see if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Maybe the Spirit wants us to let go of our plans and receive strength to live into a new adventure God has in mind.

What ways are we tempted to stay in safety and comfort? How might God be asking us to step out of that, in a courageous act of trust in God?

How has God risked something for us? Or how is God asking us to be reflections of God’s love by risking something for God or for others?

Where in our lives is God wanting to give us victory that we simply couldn’t have on our own?

It’s helpful to keep in mind a running theme of scripture: the God of self-giving love constantly seeks a relationship with His creation.

Do we ever find ourselves already “knowing too much” to be open to meeting with Jesus in fresh new ways?