October 5, 2023
Author: Benji Cowart
1 Samuel 14:6 – “Jonathan said to his armor bearer, ‘Come, lets go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. PERHAPS the Lord will act on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.’”
In this story, there is nothing that suggests that it was God’s idea for Jonathan and his armor bearer to go pick a fight with 20 plus Philistines. It’s almost as if Jonathan threw out the idea and God was like “YES! That’s a great idea! Let’s go!” Jonathan and his armor bearer proceed to slay 20 trained enemy soldiers. It was a miraculous victory.
Jonathan wasn’t operating completely on a whim. To some degree, He knew the heart of God on the matter. He knew that the Philistines had committed great atrocities against Israel and God had led them to fight against the Philistines. He also knew “nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.” Basically Jonathan was saying, it doesn’t matter how many we’re up against, if God is with us then God can save us no matter what. I think that’s the kind of faith that draws the heart of God.
I wonder what fights God is waiting on us to pick? We already know from what He’s told us in the Bible the things that he loves and hates. He hates starvation. He hates seeing widows and orphans not being taken care of. He hates seeing humans trafficked. He hates seeing His people play it safe and never chase the massive dreams and dangerous callings that He has put in their hearts.
He loves people giving beyond what they have to give.
He loves seeing us stand between bullies and victims. He loves seeing slaves go free. He loves seeing his sons and daughters take bold risks to chase their dreams that He has put in their hearts.
In some instances, maybe the reason that we don’t need His permission is because we already have it….and perhaps He will decide to jump in the middle of the fight with us.
