1 Samuel 14:6 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 Lordwill work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lordfrom saving by many or by few.”
Life comes at us with a regular display of perplexities and challenges. In such times we usually assess our circumstances and try to determine what resources we have to draw on for the task at hand. Even though we are followers of Jesus and know that God promises never to leave us or forsake us, we frequently look to our abilities and means, asking God to bless what we have to offer. Then we press on in hopes of enduring the difficulty we are facing.
Scripture contains several examples of God’s people experiencing God’s provision and God’s power. We read the stories and hear the promises of God’s incredible intervention, but rather than first looking to God with trust and dependence, we look to ourselves. The adage, “God helps those who help themselves,” even though it is unbiblical and man-centered, can appear to be our “go-to” whenever opposition and struggles come.
1 Samuel 14:6 records one of those amazing examples of God’s provision and power. The king of Israel at this time is Saul. King Saul is attempting to lead the armies of Israel in an act of resistance to the oppressive subjection sought by the Philistines. Being out-manned and out-powered, King Saul and his troops are taking refuge in food storage caves. However, Saul’s son Jonathan and his armorbearer decide to go out on a mission. When Jonathan spots a garrison of Philistine soldiers, a force of 25 to 50, he and his armorbearer make their way to confront them. Even though the odds are overwhelmingly against them, Jonathan focuses on the resources of his Lord God. Jonathan’s faith in the power and provision of God is bold.
With both of these men having the conviction that the battle is the Lord’s, they are inspired to engage 25 to 50 men in battle. The Lord God is their Commander, and against all the odds, they take out 20 soldiers and send the armies of the Philistines into full retreat. The Lord brings about a great victory for the armies of Israel that day.
Are you feeling oppressed and overwhelmed? Don’t look to yourself and your insufficient resources. Take a God-centered approach to assessing resources and find encouragement in the ability of the Lord God. “It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.”
In case your heart needs a bigger picture of our Lord’s ability, here are a couple more biblical assertions to hold near and dear. Jeremiah 32:17 Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you. Romans 8:32 If God is for us, who can be against us. He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
Never forget, struggling and suffering follower of Jesus, God is able to deliver you!
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