(1 Sam 14:6) Then Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the Lord will work for us . . .
Do you ever feel life has become dull and unchallenging? I mean, you have the normal busyness and responsibilities, but even within that you might be suffering boredom and even have an itch to do something more meaningful. God has put in each of our hearts the need for adventure and if we don’t have that then life can easily seem uninteresting and even dismal. That’s the way Jonathan felt until he linked up with God and took A VENTURE OF FAITH. Great things happened that day that changed the course of events. And great things will happen when we, too, partner with the Lord and take A VENTURE OF FAITH.
The Philistines just wouldn’t leave Israel alone. They were back harassing God’s people and Saul and his army were just unsure how to deal with them. We see the king with men around him, but he lacks the wisdom and boldness to lead them into battle. It was his son Jonathan who stepped out and attacked the garrison of the Philistines, and it was Saul who took the credit! (James 1:5) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally . . .
Jonathan was a guy that just couldn’t sit around and do nothing. He stepped out in faith and faced the Philistines head on. He knew he and his armor bearer were outnumbered but he figured that God was big enough and could save them with a large or a small army. (Rom 8:31) What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
When Jonathan said it “may be that the Lord will work for us”, he was talking about possibilities instead of impossibilities. (Mat 19:26) But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Jonathan said it “may be” instead of “maybe”. That is faith over doubt! He was willing to take a risk which emboldened his soul against the prospect of failure. (James 1:6) But let him ask in faith, with no doubting . . .
Saul had taken a rash oath that no one should eat until the Philistines were taken care of. Jonathan hadn’t heard of his father’s oath so he took of some honey which gave him the energy he needed. His father heard of it and sought to slay him, but the people interceded for him and saved his life. There’s always someone who will try to censure you and criticize you for that step of faith you are taking. They are usually jealous because it’s the step of faith they should have taken a long time ago. (Pro 14:30) . . . envy is rottenness to the bones.
Tired of life being blah? Have you been afraid to step out in faith? Then you need a change! The Lord may be calling you to take A VENTURE OF FAITH for Him. Let’s watch what God will do and the thrill that lies ahead as we follow God’s leading into the future!
Louie