Then Jonathan said, "Behold, we will pass over to the men, and we will reveal ourselves to them. If they say this to us, 'Wait until we come to you!' then we will stand still in our place and will not go up to them. But if they say this, 'Come up to us!' then we will go up, for Yahweh has delivered them into our hand. This shall be the sign to us." 1 Samuel 14:8-10 WEB.Vastly outnumbered, Saul and about 600 Israelites were cowering in fear of the Philistine army that had come against them. Only king Saul and his son Jonathan had a sword amongst the entire Israelite army. While the Philistines had thirty thousand chariots, as well as six thousand horsemen (1Samuel 13:5). It was a one-sided battle. The troops who were following Saul were trembling with fear. Some hid in rocks and caves, while others fled the country entirely.
Then Jonathan gathered his courage and told his shield-bearer that "nothing restrains the Lord from saving, by many or by few." They looked for a sign from the Lord and then strode boldly to the Philistine garrison and engaged them. When he did, God sent panic amongst the Philistines, and they began to attack each other. As the Philistines turned on each other in confusion, Saul and the rest of the Israelite army joined in the battle, and Israel won a great victory that day.
Nothing changes until someone takes a risk. If you want to see something that you have never seen, you may have to do something you have never done. God waited for someone to step up and lead, and when they did, He backed them up and caused them to be successful. It should have been King Saul, but he was afraid.
It only took Jonathan crossing the fear barrier to win that battle. Likewise, David was the only man who would face Goliath, but he was all that was needed. God just needs one obedient person who will trust Him to change the environment around them, like Peter stepping out and walking on water with Jesus. If you feel the Lord calling you to do something, take the risk, and then He will back you up. His help comes when you are doing something and actually need it, not when you are sitting still and cowering in fear.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I put my trust in You today. Thank You so much for bringing me this far. Please draw me with Your loving kindness. If I know that it is You talking to me, then I will follow, so speak to me in a way that I understand. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!Note: FAAD group members (Fight Against Anxiety & Depression) today is"Feel Good Friday!". This event is about lifting up each other up! We all have times when we are weak, but together, we can get through it! We invite you to share anything that may have prompted a good feeling in your heart today. Even if you're having a bad day, perhaps look to encouraging scriptures, prayers or thoughts, and testimonies of God's work. Whether you are suffering from anxiety or depression or just want to help, all are welcome to join!:
FAAD Group: > You can subscribe to our daily devotional here <
Amen
Amen
This had me thinking about something I was talking to a friend about. With no clear answers, I leave it to the comments.
Is DIVINE DIVORCE a thing God orchestrates? He is not obligated to anything bless anything he's not a part of. Could the feeling to step out of marriage be a leading of the holy spirit if both people are believers?
God does not like divorce. Malachi 2:16, 1Cor 7:39, 1Cor 7:10-13, Luke 16:18, Mark 10:2-12, Matt 19:3-9, Jer 3:1, Matt 5:21-32. Divorce is the most hurtful thing you can go thru in marriage. Been there done that. It's something only you two and God can decide as you have to live with the consequences. God bless you and guide you.
His grace is sufficient...
Thank you brother
Biblically, God hates divorce between Christians, and it is only permitted in cases of sexual immorality (Matthew 19:9). That said, God divorced Israel when she was unfaithful, (Jeremiah 3:8). Yet, divorce outside of those cases is treated like any other sin, like telling a lie, being a glutton, working seven days a week and ignoring a Sabbath rest, and forgetting to tithe for the last year ;)
The church typically gives a huge black mark on divorce because it tears a family apart, but speaking from experience, there are some that need it. When I was six, I watched a husband break his wife's leg for asking where he had been. Should she have divorced him? YES!!!!!!!
Here is a teaching I did a while back on Marriage and Divorce. You might glean something from it:
https://www.refreshinghope.org/blogs/1/17/marriage-divorce
Thanks, pastor!
Amen!
Yes Lord Jesus, amen.
I am willing Lord, whatever You have for me to do.In Yeshua's name So be it.
AMEN. Heavenly Father,, my faith & trust is in You Lord. AMEN
Amen!
Heavenly Father I put my trust in You and only You in the Name of Jesus, Amen
Amen Good Morning Everyone
Heavenly Father, I put my trust in You today. Thank You so much for bringing me this far. Please draw me with Your loving kindness. If I know that it is You talking to me, then I will follow, so speak to me in a way that I understand. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
Amen my trust is in you Father
Amen. I trust you Lord. In everything. Lead me as I go forth with the burden you placed upon my heart. Speak to me clearly so I do this according to Your will. In Jesus Name. This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.
I am putting my trust in Jesus today. May the Lord supply my doctor with knowlege and the ability to heal my physical body.
Thank you for this encouragement, Pastor Dion! Lord, find me boldly stepping into Your call today. Amen
Amen!!
Amen!
Amen Lord Jesus!
Amen! Thank you for this devotion today! I love this story of the Jonathan and the Israelite armys. God is good!!