When considering the many dramatic victories recorded in the Bible, many of us will immediately think of David and Goliath. I’m sure you remember that story of a bold, young shepherd who took down a huge Philistine warrior using a slingshot and a ton of confidence in God (1 Samuel 17:1-50). Most of us forget, however, that before David killed the giant, Jonathan (who would become one of David’s closest friends), displayed a similar level of courage and trust.
Here’s the setting: The army of Israel was in a dangerous bind. The Philistines had assembled a mighty military force that was armed to the teeth and ready to fight. Unarmed and outnumbered by thousands, the men of Israel fled to the hills and hid in caves (1 Samuel 13:6-7).
Eventually Jonathan, the son of Israel’s king, got tired of living in fear and decided to take action on his own. He and his armor bearer challenged a Philistine outpost that was strategically positioned high on a cliff. At first glance, it looked like a suicide mission. But Jonathan’s view was “nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!” (1 Samuel 14:6). Through a miraculous chain of events, Jonathan and his companion overtook the Philistine outpost (vv.8-14). Their victory triggered a major panic that swept through the entire Philistine army and led to their defeat (vv.15-20).
Against all odds, God rescued Israel that day. It may not be as obviously dramatic, but God will sometime call us into situations where the odds will seem to be stacked against us. Why all the drama and suspense? Perhaps to increase our awe and confidence in Him. For the one who wins the battle is God—not us.
More:
He causes us to remember His wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our Lord! (Psalm 111:4).
Next:
Read Psalm 111 and then spend some time remembering a situation when God intervened in your life in a way that was undeniably His work. Why do we need to remember that He’s the Lord of the battles in life?
Anli zhou on September 16, 2009 at 1:46 am
It is right. Whenever we feel afraid, it is obvious that we know that we need help. Then, indeed help comes from the lord. If we believe or not, the lord always lead us to go out of the dilema in our life.
adetteley on September 16, 2009 at 10:34 pm
right.. God is always there for us… all we need to do is to have faith in Him. and remember the promises He made to us…
Island Girl Dee on October 4, 2009 at 1:40 pm
For the past few weeks I have been experiencing challenges one after the next. I am overwhelmed at work, simply because I’m engaged in the riduculously futile task of running an elementary school by myself. The former principal recently retired and the powers that be seem to be taking their time naming a permanent replacement. Of course, I’ve been given the acting principal slot, but that doesn’t bring closure to the former principal’s chapter and provide the sorely needed impetus for the staff to aspire to further academic achievement. Nonetheless, one can only imagine how exhausting this must be for me.
On top of that, my car has been down for the last 3 weeks. Not having my own transportation has really taken its toll, I can’t get to the grocery store, the laundry, or even church. It is exasperating, to say the least.
I’ve been wondering why me? Don’t I have enough to contend with already? Why does it appear that I can never catch a break? Why does it seem as if God has forsaken me?
Then I read about the tsunami in American Samoa. People’s lives were decimated instantly through no fault of their own. Now I feel like a complete baby, whining about my issues; when I should be thanking God that I have a job to complain about and have the money to afford to commute by public transportation.
I don’t pretend that I understand why I’m being assailed at this time. But all I can do is keep trusting in Him. He brought me to it, He will definitely bring me through it! I have to believe that I’m going through the refiner’s furnace at this time to prepare me for future blessings I cannot comprehend! Pray with me to keep holding fast!!! It’s a struggle, believe me, but I have no choice but to keep holding on!
jeff olson on October 5, 2009 at 7:02 am
Island Girl Dee,
Thanks for not pretending…it’s refreshing.
Don’t know how much of what you’re going through is the enemy trying to devour you or how much of it is just life in a broken world, but you are right to keep “holding fast”…God will show up in ways that will eventually deepen your confidence in Him.
Please know that we have prayed God’s Kingdom over your life and difficult situation.
Island Girl Dee on October 10, 2009 at 2:57 am
Jeff:
Thanks for your prayers anad support, it is truly appreciated. My situation remains the same: no car or help at work yet! But all I can do is deal with it one day at a time and keep trusting God. I won’t tell you it’s easy; but I do know I’m surviving! I trust that it’s because I’m being carried by the Lord!!