Image Credit: In Touch Ministries Ever been at a crossroads, at the juncture of making some life-defining decisions, and found yourself asking, “God, give me a sign!” Perhaps it was for a new job, a relationship, a move across the country, or a chance to start over. You think, “Should I make this move?” So, just like Gideon, you asked for a sign, and waited for confirmation. But when does asking God for a sign become less about faith and more about avoidance? And are we sometimes, in our quest for reassurance, pushing God’s patience?
The story of Gideon is a classic example of a man seeking reassurance and confirmation from God about a big national assignment. Israel, in Gideon’s time, had distanced themselves from God. They were spiritually starved, oppressed by the Midianites, and had lost every thread of intimacy with God. When the Angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he was, understandably, hesitant to believe what he was hearing. So, he “put out a fleece,” asking for a miraculous sign to prove it was truly God speaking to him (Judges 6:36-40). But in Gideon’s case, was putting out a fleece an act of faith or a symptom of Israel’s broken intimacy with God.
Imagine this: the angel comes with a crucial message from God, delivering instructions on how the national problem will be solved, this epiphany was supposed to excite Gideon and spur him to action almost immediately, since this was long overdue but instead, he questions, hesitates, and asks for signs—not once, but twice. Gideon’s story highlights that Israel had strayed from divine fellowship and communion. They hadn’t had any significant spiritual leaders since Joshua, and each generation seemed to forget the wonders God had performed for them. Gideon’s lack of confidence in God’s message wasn’t a random quirk; it was a reflection of a society out of sync with the Divine.
Sometimes, the desire to “put out a fleece” for reassurance might signal a personal lack of intimacy. Instead of walking in close relationship with God, we’re trying to fit Him into a checklist, asking for signs and confirmations. When we lack intimacy with God, seeking a sign can become a habit rather than a humble request for clarity.
There are moments in Scripture where people ask for signs—and not always with the best outcomes. The Pharisees, for instance, demanded signs from Jesus, but their motives were often rooted in skepticism, not faith (Matthew 16:1-4). In contrast, Gideon’s “fleece” request wasn’t an outright challenge but stemmed from fear and hesitation. He was asking for confirmation, and God graciously granted his requests.
But here’s the thing: the more we rely on external signs, the less we rely on the inner work of the Holy Spirit. Imagine a relationship where you constantly ask your friend, “Are we really friends? Can you prove it?” Eventually, that trust becomes strained. If we’re always asking God for a visible sign, it may indicate a lack of internalized faith or even trust in God’s voice.
Similarly, Saul had strayed far from God and was desperate for guidance. Instead of seeking God genuinely, he went to a medium for answers, displaying how desperation can lead to unhealthy practices.
To the Israelites in the Wilderness (Exodus 16-17), God had proven His provision, yet the Israelites repeatedly asked for signs of His care. Their constant need for proof signalled a lack of faith and led to complaints rather than a deepening of their relationship with God.
In John 20:24-29, Thomas Didymus, needing physical proof of Christ’s resurrection, wanted to see and touch Jesus’ wounds. Jesus graciously granted his request but reminded Thomas that true blessing comes to those who believe without needing to see.
Each of these cases shows that when we’re repeatedly asking for signs, it may reflect a wavering or uncertain faith.
There are some situations where “putting out a fleece” seems like a practical step. If you’re making a big move—like deciding between job offers in different cities—it’s understandable to seek some form of reassurance. But in doing so, our heart posture matters immensely. Are we putting out a fleece out of a genuine desire to align with God’s will, or are we simply avoiding commitment to a decision God has already led us toward?
In “The Pursuit of God,” A.W. Tozer says, “Faith is the gaze of a soul upon a saving God.” Faith should lead us to seek God’s face, not just His signs. When we focus on intimacy with God, our decisions flow out of that connection, allowing us to make choices with wisdom and peace. Instead of relying on ‘fleece’, we rely on a relationship that grows through consistent prayer, study of God’s Word, and being attentive to His Spirit.
How to Know When You’re Going Too Far with a “Fleece”
✓Repeated Asking: If you’re constantly asking for new signs, it may indicate uncertainty or unwillingness to move forward. Like Gideon, asking for multiple confirmations can show a lack of confidence in God’s word.
Consider a person faced with a career change. She prays, “God, if you want me to take this job, make it obvious.” A door opens, but she asks for another sign—perhaps a specific word from someone, a dream, or another confirmation. Soon, she’s delaying obedience because she’s waiting for “just one more sign.” This “fleece-pulling” can lead to paralysis rather than progress.
✓Ignoring Clear Guidance: Sometimes, God’s Word already answers our question, but like Balaam the false prophet (Numbers 22:12), we’re looking for a different answer. If you’re asking for signs when Scripture already provides guidance, it may be a sign you’re stalling.
✓Seeking Signs Over Seeking Relationship: If we focus more on signs than on cultivating intimacy with God, we risk reducing our faith to a transaction and we end up treating God like a mere vending machine. As we grow in our relationship with Him, we’ll be more attuned to His voice and less reliant on external confirmations.
✓Looking for Validation Over Obedience: Sometimes, seeking a sign is less about divine guidance and more about avoiding obedience. Are we pulling a fleece to delay what we know we’re called to do?
Action Points
✓Cultivate Intimacy with God: Regular prayer, studying Scripture, and being part of a faith community help us recognize God’s voice without constantly asking for signs.
✓Learn to Trust God’s Promises: Like Gideon, we might feel inadequate, but God’s promises don’t change with our circumstances. Trusting God’s Word is foundational to moving forward confidently.
✓Discern the Difference Between Faith and Hesitation: When we ask for signs, let’s examine our motives. Are we seeking clarity, or are we stalling? Trusting God means moving forward even when the path isn’t perfectly clear.
✓Seek God’s Presence, Not Just His Presents: Rather than making decisions based on signs alone, let’s prioritize a relationship with God, allowing His Spirit to guide us beyond what’s visible.
Putting out a fleece isn’t inherently wrong, and God may graciously confirm things to us as He did with Gideon. But if we find ourselves repeatedly asking for signs, it may be time to examine our relationship with God. Are we operating out of faith or fear? True faith grows as we deepen our intimacy with God, trust His promises, and rely on His Spirit. By shifting our focus from signs to the Savior, we’ll find guidance that’s rooted in relationship, not merely in reassurance.
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