Trusting God

begins with believing in his promises…

6 Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.”

7 “Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”

8 Jonathan said, “Come on, then; we will cross over toward them and let them see us. 9 If they say to us, ‘Wait there until we come to you,’ we will stay where we are and not go up to them. 10 But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ we will climb up, because that will be our sign that the Lord has given them into our hands.”

11 So both of them showed themselves to the Philistine outpost. “Look!” said the Philistines. “The Hebrews are crawling out of the holes they were hiding in.” 12 The men of the outpost shouted to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come up to us and we’ll teach you a lesson.”

So Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Climb up after me; the Lord has given them into the hand of Israel.” ~1 samuel 14:6-12~

one of the challenges that most people face when coming to Christ and knowing God is actually believing in The Word and that it is real and the truths contained in it and the promises that are made are actually true, can help someone, and will come to pass some day (most of the time they want it right here and now in order to believe, instead of waiting).

jonathan had no such problem in this story walking out his faith, believing that - “nothing can hinder The Lord”. along during this journey, jonathan’s armor-bearer simply believed (faith) in him and whatever cause he was championing and joined him, “heart and soul”. jonathan was patient enough to know that if God provided a sign, a signal, that he absolutely knew that the Lord was going to do what he believed He would. in this case - to give him victory against his enemy.

for me that’s where i believe the difference in one person’s walk to another. do they truly believe in God’s Word and that He, alone, is responsible for the outcome. begins with believing in God’s Word (that it is The Truth), going forward in faith (building), and “climb up as The Lord has given them into the hands of israel” (trust).

this is always an area i can improve on. i know i can trust The Word of God. it is taking those steps and believing that needs work. not that i doubt, more so than not it is that i try to do things my way, my timing, for my benefit. working on my walk and believing for God to show up and only do what He can; need to clearly see the signs that He has posted so i would pay attention more clearly and determine if i’m supposed to do this or that, go here and not there, and to follow His instruction, His lead, every time. like king david, it is always nice to have someone like jonathan who believes in you to come alongside and do life like i have with my fellow brothers-in-Christ.

Father God, thank you that we can trust Your Word, the promises that you are always there for us. thank you for protecting my family and i from harm, giving us a way out when tempted, that you continue to make a way. i love you Lord, in Jesus’ name i pray, amen!