1 Samuel 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. For nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few.’”
The Philistines were bitter enemies to the Israelites all the days of Jonathan’s father, King Saul. In todays scripture reading, Jonathan suggests approaching a garrison of Philistines even though he and his armor bearer are outnumbered 20-1. Jonathan had something that we need in our day: faith. His faith is remarkable and reveals five elements to it that we would do well to emulate.
1. Faith does not see the obstacle. Jonathan’s faith caused him to see beyond any obstacle that may have existed.
2. Faith does not see the odds. The odds are stacked against him in the natural. Yet he appears to be unshaken by it. He never makes mention of it.
3.Faith sees the opportunity. Jonathan saw the possibility. There was an opportunity for victory and for God’s people to overcome their enemy.
4. Faith sees God at work. Jonathan “It may be that the Lord will work for us..” Faith recognizes God’s involvement in the situation.
5. Faith makes bold declarations. The last sentence is great: “For nothing restrains the Lord from saving many or by few.” What a bold declaration! Jonathan realized that the victory was really not in his hands, but in God’s hands.
Let your faith rise today and expect God to work in wondrous ways!