It’s easy to think that God is rigid. He is God after all and His way is always right. Therefore, He should never have to accommodate. He just tells us what to do and we should go and do it. Right? So I used to think…

But I see God as someone who accommodates for our weaknesses and even our fears. Like a loving and gentle father who knows the fears and apprehensions of his children, He accommodates to our fears and apprehensions.

Where do I get that from? Certainly not from a wishful thinking. But from the story of calling of Gideon. Gideon was an Old Testament judge (warrior) who was called by God to destroy an invading enemy. But he was too timid. And he asks God if He could prove Himself by doing a trick (This involved a fleece. You can read about it in Judges 6). Surprisingly, God complies. And then Gideon, thinking that it was mere coincidence, asks for confirmation in now reversing the trick. God again complies!

At this point, if I were God, I would be thinking, “OK, now that I’ve given you proofs, just go and face your enemies like a man! Stop being a sissy!” But God doesn’t. Even without Gideon asking, God gives him another opportunity for a confirmation by letting him overhear his enemies talking about the impending war. God knew Gideon’s timid nature. He didn’t bulldoze over his natural tendency. But he led him in a gentle and loving way at the pace that he could take it.

This is a great lesson for me both as a father and a pastor. At times, I have bulldozed over people and got frustrated because they weren’t more like me! “Why do they struggle with that? Why can’t they overcome it? It’s so easy for me…” I thought. But of course, when it comes to my issues and problems, I’m infinitely patient…

I’m glad God is God. I’m glad for the way He is. I like the way He is more than I could manufacture a god in my mind.

Let us trust Him and follow His lead at the pace we are ready to go. One step at a time…

PH