“Lets go across to those heathen Philistines”, Jonathan said to his armour bearer, “Perhaps the Lord will do a a course in miracles programs for us. For it makes no difference to Him how many enemy troops there are!” “Do all that you have in mind”, his armour bearer said, “Go ahead, I am with you heart and soul”.
1 Samuel 14:6-7, NIV
This is the story of the bravery of Jonathan and his armour bearer. His armour bearer was only a youth. He was fully submitted, loyal and obedient to Jonathan, even to the point of risking his own life.
Saul did a poor job as king, because of fear, and he seemed to have no communication with his Son, Jonathan. Saul’s weak leadership was a result of his spiritual decline. Effective leadership needs spiritual character.
Why did Jonathan go it alone? Maybe he was fed up with the long hopeless procrastination of his father. Jonathan knew God was a miracle-working God, even if the enemy powerfully outnumbered the two of them. They put their trust in God alone. God honoured their faith and gave them a tremendous victory.
Do you sometimes feel surrounded by overwhelming odds with the enemy looking all powerful? We can learn from Jonathan today to commit what resources we do have to God, to rely totally upon Him and He will surely give us the victory.
With God on our side we are always in ‘the majority’. But notice God did not initiate this event. Jonathan had a plan and his number two agreed to go with him. They killed 20 Philistines and panic struck the whole army of the Philistines and the ground shook. The Philistines were confused and started killing each other in their panic. God provided the miracle following Jonathan’s steps of faith.
Is God calling you to step out in faith? If you are truly being obedient to His voice, then as you walk forward today and initiate the action, God will bring the blessing and the victory.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please help me to have the faith to believe for the miracles and the victories that You have for me in my life. Give me the courage to get started by moving forward first. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
