Topic: Faith versus fear

Text: 1Samuel 14

Key verse: \”Let\’s go across to the outpost of those pagans,\” Jonathan said to his armor-bearer. \”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!\”

Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Your words flow forth from your heart, not your head. The knowledge you have about God must translate into a belief system before it can produce transformation. Jonathan, King Saul\’s son seemed to know more about God than his Father. Even after hastily offering the sacrifice, he still lacked the courage to advance into battle. After many days, Jonathan decided to act in faith rather than fear.

Notice the response of his armor-bearer when he sought his opinion about the action to take:  \”Do what you think is best,\” the armor-bearer replied. \”I\’m with you completely, whatever you decide.\” The kind of people you surround yourself with will either grow your fear or your faith. When you choose to act in faith, who is your greatest cheerleader?

Keep away from negative people, they never see possibilities. They are often called the dog in a manager, they are not willing to support your cause, and neither will they stay away and keep their negative ideas to themselves.

Jonathan trusted the Lord to give them victory, what do you believe about God? An extraordinary feat took place that day because God helped them and even the earth supported them against the Philistines and there was an earthquake.

Saul\’s actions revealed his understanding of God\’s role in protecting his people. He saw God as an accessory to complement his expertise. He had a priest with him, and when he heard of the activities in the Philistines camp, he summoned the priest to find out what they ought to do, but he could not wait for the information he needed because of fear.

Then Saul shouted to Ahijah, \”Bring the ephod here!\” For at that time Ahijah was wearing the ephod in front of the Israelites. But while Saul was talking to the priest, the confusion in the Philistine camp grew louder and louder. So Saul said to the priest, \”Never mind; let\’s get going!\”

Fearful people are usually very impatient too. They allow their fears to drive them into trouble. Then Saul and all his men rushed out to the battle and found the Philistines killing each other. There was terrible confusion everywhere. God had already responded to Jonathan\’s faith and the battle was going against their enemies and God was going to take the glory for the victory.  Even when they contemplated pursuing the Philistines further, Saul just gave the order again without consulting the Lord.

Fearful people are very rash with their tongues. He was driven by fear to call for a fast when the soldiers needed physical strength. God spared Jonathan\’s life that day; he would have died at his father\’s word. May the Lord teach us to starve our fears and feed our faith by daily building up our faith through the Word and praying in the spirit, \”faith comes from hearing that is, hearing the Good News about Christ\”.

But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit. Saul built up his army instead of his faith, and he became less useful for supernatural exploits.

Building your wardrobe and profile may not improve your courage and confidence, meditating on the word guarantees success. Joshua 1:8

Prayer: Father l acknowledge my fear of…. (Fill the gap), show me the lie l have believed that kept me bound in Jesus\’ name.

2. Father, l know l can do all things through Christ who strengthens me; show me the truth that will help me overcome my fears in Jesus\’ name.

3. I submit myself to God now, and l resist the spirit of the fear of…. (   Fill the gap) in Jesus\’ name.

Thank you, Lord, for setting me free.

Roses&Thorns