Topic: Activated By Faith

Text: 1 Samuel 14:1-15

Key Verse: Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised men; it may be that the Lord will work for us. For there is nothing to prevent the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.” – 1 Samuel 14:6 AMP

There is so much more God can do for a man in response to faith. Their faith activated the breakthrough in battle Jonathan, and his armor-bearer experienced.

But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him. – Hebrews 11:6 AMP

God is always ready to save and deliver, but how well do we believe this? The proof of our faith is evident in our beliefs and our corresponding action.

Jonathan stepped out in faith, believing that God could save them despite the difference in number between the army of Israel and the vast host of the Philistines.

He took a step of faith towards the enemy, encouraged by his armor-bearer. Notice he didn’t tell his father, Saul, neither did he tell the soldiers’ commander; it is not always that the same faith in your heart moves leaders. Surround yourself with people who build your faith, not those who rationalize or diminish it.

Jonathan stepped out in faith but sought a sign of confirmation from the Lord that what he had desired to do was in line with God’s timing too. God honored their faith that day according to the scriptures.

What is the benefit, my fellow believers, if someone claims to have faith but has no [good] works [as evidence]? Can that [kind of] faith save him? [No, a mere claim of faith is not sufficient—genuine faith produces good works.]

So too, faith, if it does not have works [to back it up], is by itself dead [inoperative and ineffective].

You see that a man (believer) is justified by works and not by faith alone [that is, by acts of obedience, a born-again believer reveals his faith]. – James 2:14,17,24 AMP

In every aspect of our walk, we must put our faith to work, God is willing to prosper, but you must put your seed in the ground and be ready to tend and nurture it till it starts to yield fruits.

When you desire to improve the quality of your relationships, you must be ready to take steps to make it better, not just to pray about it. A change in attitude, genuine acts of love, and tolerance will be necessary to produce the results you have prayed for. While you pray for marital bliss, are you ready to continue to forgive your spouse’s shortcomings and your inlaws? God is willing and able to save, but he watches to see the meditations of your heart, your words, and corresponding action.

For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth so that He may support those whose heart is completely His. You have acted foolishly in this; therefore, from now on you will have wars.” – 2 Chronicles 16:9 AMP

There are consequences when we act in unbelief, fear, or foolishly. Especially when we sit back waiting for God to do what is our responsibility to do.

We have learned to ask the Lord in prayer for deliverance during spiritual warfare, but we also learned to fight the good fight of faith and prepare to combat against the host of darkness. The Lord taught David to fight when he prayed. What are you ready to fight for? Who are you passing the battle on to while you wait? Every believer, pastor, prophet, or Bishop is in the struggle too; ask for help when you can, but know that there is no place for complacency in the battle of life; fight your battle!

Blessed be the Lord, my Rock and my great strength, Who trains my hands for war And my fingers for battle;- Psalm 144:1 AMP

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.

Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious]. – Ephesians 6:12-13

When the Lord moved on their behalf, everyone saw it and was ready to pursue the Philistines.

And there was trembling in the [Philistine] camp, in the field, and among all the people; even the garrison and the raiding party trembled [in fear], and the earth quaked and it became a trembling and terror from God. – 1 Samuel 14:15 AMP

Prayer

May the Lord see your faith in this season and show you his salvation in many more ways than you can imagine in Jesus’ name, amen.

Pastor Ada

Photo by Emerson Peters on Unsplash