TRUSTING GOD'S WILL

After King Saul disobeyed God, he was disqualified as king of Israel, leading the Israelites to suffer defeats against their enemies, especially the Philistines. At that time, the Israelites had only two swords: one for King Saul and one for his son, Jonathan. The rest of the Israelite army was armed with plowshares, picks, axes, or sickles, making them severely outmatched in battle. One day, the Philistines camped at Michmash, a strategically important high hill. They had 3,000 chariots, 6,000 charioteers, and as many soldiers as there were grains of sand on the seashore, meaning they had a vast army. Realizing they were outnumbered and outgunned, Jonathan decided to approach the Philistine camp with his armor-bearer. He climbed up between two rocky cliffs and said to his armor-bearer, "Let's go across to the outpost of those pagans (Philistines). Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!" To discern God's will, Jonathan suggested a plan: "We will cross over and let them see us. If they say to us, 'Stay where you are, or we'll kill you,' then we will stop and not go up to them. But if they say, 'Come on up and fight,' then we will go up. That will be the Lord's sign that He will help us defeat them." When the Philistine guards noticed Jonathan and his armor-bearer, they shouted, "Come up here, and we'll teach you a lesson!" Jonathan realized that this was a sign that God would grant them victory. Encouraged, Jonathan and his armor-bearer climbed up and killed 20 Philistines. God then sent an earthquake and confusion among the Philistines, causing them to flee (1 Samuel 13-14).

Jonathan and his armor-bearer accomplished the impossible because they were not afraid to follow God's will. Although they only had one sword, God fought for them. When we follow God's will in our lives and do not let fear control our minds, we will experience God's power in our lives. God is not limited to accomplishing His purpose within our limits. Let us not focus on our limits, but let us focus on God's power and might. No matter what we are facing today, let us focus on following what God is leading us to do, even when we feel that we are inadequate for the task. God will give us strength and wisdom and work out how to accomplish His purpose and plan in our lives. 

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Is there anything that God is leading me to do, but I am afraid to do it because of fear? Why is it important for me to do God's will? What lesson can I learn from Jonathan and his armor-bearer's story? 

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for reminding me this morning that I need to trust you completely in accomplishing your will in my life. Please help me not to walk in fear but to walk in faith in you. Please give me the courage and determination to do your will because your will is what's best for me. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.