Run to the Battle

Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few. 1 Samuel 14:6 NIV

The Israelites were quaking with fear. The Philistine army kept attacking them and winning. The military and economic domination was so great that the Israelites didn't even have their own weapons to fight with. A big reason for this was the ungodly leadership of king Saul. Into this scene of a gloating Philistine army and a demoralized Israel steps Jonathan and his armor-bearer.

Jonathan, son of king Saul, had an inkling that if he stepped out and faced the enemy, God would rush to his aid. With his armor-bearer right behind, Jonathan ran toward the enemy, and God met him on the way. In fact, the two brave men scaled a cliff with the Philistine detachment waiting at the top. After finishing the climb, Jonathan and his armor-bearer routed the Philistine detachment, killing twenty men in a small space.

Courage comes on the way to meet the enemy. In other words, God comes on us with his spirit of power and bravery as we step out in faith. Jonathan put himself in a place of desperately needing God to break through. If God didn't come, Jonathan and his armor-bearer would certainly die.

Courage is not reckless. It is stepping out in faith on the word of the Lord. This courage increases as we get active in obeying God's strategy in moving his kingdom forward. It is hard to find courage from the armchair. Simple steps of obedience will activate the movement of God's courage in your life. He rushes to meet you on the battlefield.

As a result of Jonathan's brave and selfless act, God sent a panic through the Philistine camp. The enemy began turning on each other as fear and mayhem broke loose. The courage of Jonathan gave momentum for the larger miracle of the enemy's total defeat.

Step out today, and the God of courage will meet you.

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