SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                   1027

“Nothing Can Hinder”

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.” (1 Samuel 14:6)

Imagine the faith in the Lord that Jonathan had to prompt him to move forward with his plan. He did not have a word from the Lord to go over to the Philistine garrison but he was a man of action and could not just sit with his father under a pomegranate tree doing nothing.

Sometimes we just need to take a step of faith and trust in God for the outcome. Be clear about your motive and intent of heart though before you step out. Note the following about Jonathan’s experience.

He told no one other than his armor bearer what he planned to do. Jonathan was not a glory seeker. He did not want fame and fortune. His motives were pure. If glory was to be had it was to be the Lord’s. Then Saul said to the people who were with him, “Count and see who has gone from us.” And when they had counted, behold, Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there. (1 Samuel 14:17)

Jonathan knew the need for a victory was great. Israel was demoralized, hiding in caves. Jonathan also knew that God’s plan cannot be hindered. And the Philistines said, “Look, Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they have hidden themselves.” (1 Samuel 14:11)

Jonathan asked God for guidance by confirming what they were about to do. 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.” (1 Samuel 14:10)

By faith Jonathan moved forward one step at a time trusting the Lord with each step of the way and the Lord worked a mighty victory. And they fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer killed them after him…And there was a panic in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. The garrison and even the raiders trembled, the earth quaked, and it became a very great panic. (1 Samuel 14:13-15)

Throughout history, God has demonstrated His power to save by many or few. We read about Gideon and the three hundred as well as David going up against Goliath. However, the ultimate example is the salvation of mankind through the death and resurrection of the one man, Jesus Christ. Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and…eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 5:18-21)

Are you paralyzed by inaction due to fear of failure? If you are a child of God, born again by the Spirit then you have nothing to fear.  I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)

Whatever crossroad decision point you are at, offer it to the Lord and take the first step in faith trusting that God will provide and guide you each step of the way. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)