Desperate Battles Demand Bold Faith | 1 Samuel 14:1, 6-11

Are you fighting a battle that requires bold faith?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in 1 Samuel 14. I've titled this chapter "A Contrast Of Leadership Between Jonathan and Saul."

This is a long chapter, so I am not going to cite every verse, but I am going to pick out the significant texts and events in this chapter over the next week. The first part (1 Samuel 14:1-23) tells the story of Jonathan and his leadership through a challenging situation. Let's begin in verse one:

One day Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the Philistine garrison on the other side.” But he did not tell his father. — 1 Samuel 14:1

Remember, the King and his son are in a desperate situation. Jonathan defeated a garrison that stirred up the Philistines. King Saul had just acted in disobedience by a sacrifice reserved for a holy man. Their force is now reduced to 600 ragtag men. They have no weapons, and the Philistines have them surrounded.

In the midst of this, Jonathan and his armor-bearer will sneak over to the enemy camp to survey the situation. The climb down relatively close to where the Philistines are, and in verses 6-7 it reads:

Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.” And his armor-bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul.” — 1 Samuel 14:6-7

This is about to become Jonathan's "David and Goliath" moment. Here, Jonathan pronounces profound faith in God. His faith is strong, and you will notice he's not alone. He has a believing man by his side who also sold out with him in the same faith.

We all need someone like this at our side in life's challenges. We need battle buddies, fellow fighters, and courageous companions sold out with us in faith. They are people of faith who will stand by our side through thick and thin. Not to be confused with people who are merely sold out to our ideas, plans, strategies, and tactics. The strategy, in this case, has yet to be revealed. We see two men who are mutually sold out in faith and believe that God would be their salvation before the strategy is even revealed. These are the types of men and women we need by our side in the face of life's challenges. Faith-filled believers who fill us with faith for the challenge we see before us.

Then next, we read the strategy in verses 8-11:

Then Jonathan said, “Behold, we will cross over to the men, and we will show ourselves to them. If they say to us, ‘Wait until we come to you,’ then we will stand still in our place, and we will not go up to them. But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ then we will go up, for the Lord has given them into our hand. And this shall be the sign to us.” So both of them showed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines. And the Philistines said, “Look, Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they have hidden themselves.” — 1 Samuel 14:8-11

Now we have the strategy. Honestly, it's a preposterous plan for three reasons. First, Jonathan would give up the element of surprise by standing up and exposing their position. Second, Jonathan had a stronger battle position on the rocky cliff than if he had climbed down to them. Third, remember it's two men against an entire garrison who are rested and will be prepared for battle by the time the two of them make their way down the rocky cliffs. The plan is so absurd that if it succeeded, it could only be because the Lord did it.

But even though the plan appears preposterous, Jonathan's faith in God and God's plan are profound.

Jonathan is doing what we all should do in our life's battles. He takes one step of faith in God at a time. Jonathan knows he is going to fight a battle. He is resolved about that. But notice the small steps he took. The first step was leaving the Israelite army behind. The second was surveying the enemy garrison. The third step was ensuring the resolve of his battle buddy. The next step was a test to expose how the battle would be fought. Even though we may know the end of the story, don't dismiss the small steps of faith taken along the way.

Some of you are out there fighting a big battle right now. Some of you are just like me; you want to get to the end of the battle and the conclusion of the fight. But don't fail to fight faithfully the smaller fights. Big spiritual battles are won in small moments of faith. It's small strategic wins that lead to great spiritual success. So don't neglect even a simple prayer that aligns your heart and effort with the heart of God. It may lead to a victory even when it doesn't make logical sense.

#FaithInAction, #BoldLeadership, #SmallStepsBigVictory

Ask This:
How can you apply Jonathan’s approach of small steps of faith and courageous action to a current challenge in your life? Reflect on practical steps you can take, even if they seem small or insignificant.
Who in your life could be a “battle buddy” to support you in your faith journey? Consider how you might reach out to someone who can stand with you through difficulties and how you can be that support for others.
Do This:

Take only steps of faith in the battle.

Pray This:

Lord, grant me the courage to take bold steps of faith, just as Jonathan did, trusting in Your guidance even when the path seems uncertain. Surround me with faithful companions who will encourage and support me through every challenge I face. Amen.

Play This:

The Battle Is Yours.