Conflict is a reality.
Any effort to do something is often met with resistance. Sometimes that opposition can come from within, sometimes it can come from external sources. The conflict can appear relentless and sometimes oppressive. In those settings it is easy to get the impression that you’re doing all you can to survive.
This is not surprise to God and the stories of His people features occasions when we can take some inspiration by how His people respond to challenging times.
In one particular episode, the people of Israel were up against their enemy the Philistines. Their new King Saul was somewhat beleagured and his troops were in something of a holding pattern. They were outnumbered. The advantage was clearly with the enemy, Israel’s King was awaiting divine help without finding much for him or his troops. The situation was grim.
In the middle of this, Saul’s son Jonathan and his armour-bearer broke away from the main army. Their absence was not noted at first. Jonathan was inspired to put this challenge to his young armour-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.” (1 Samuel 14:6)
What a remarkable thing for the prince to say. It’s audacious. It is an act of someone who is willing to take a step to see what God will do, even believing that God can do whatever He wants to do with numbers not being an issue to Him.
The response from the armour-bearer is just as noteworthy,
“Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” (1 Samuel 14:7)
Jonathan was not looking to do something on his own and referring to his armour-bearer was him seeking one point of agreement for them to be about the business. What transpired with a remarkable turnaround for Israel. From a point of despair, God was with the two men together to begin a significant defeat of the enemy.
All because two men agreed together to go and see what God could do. In this experience God built a winning team that was able to see victory because of their focus on Him. They did not get dismayed by the overwhelming odds, they looked to God and His capacity to deliver under any circumstances.
A winning team in our day is often about qualities that people like to point to themselves. God, however, builds a truly winning team by people who place their trust in Him. Faith is the victory that overcomes – and God gives plenty of opportunities for us to build that faith in Him.
This is with the aim that come the crucial hour when He comes looking, He will find faith in the earth. Will we be among the faithful.
(Photo by Jeffrey F Lin on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 