I was reading a story in the Bible and learnt a lesson on faith. The full story can be found in 1 Samuel 14:1-23 of the Holy Bible. For context, Israel had been at war with Philistia. The Philistines seemed to have the upper hand and the Israelites didn’t have many weapons because the Philistines made sure of it. In fact, only the king and his son, Jonathan had a sword or spear at the time (1 Samuel 13:22). You can imagine how discouraged the Israelites must have been.
One day Jonathan said to his armor bearer,
1 Samuel 14:1 (NLT)
“Come on, let’s go over to where the Philistines have their outpost.”
But Jonathan did not tell his father what he was doing.
The Bible is a book that provides details. I am detail oriented and I love this aspect of the Bible. It provides dates and locations which are verifiable. I think this also attests to its authenticity. That being said, one will find that many stories provide a date (e.g. the fifteenth day of the seventh month). However, this story doesn’t do that. It just states that this event happened ‘one day‘.
“Let’s go across to the outpost of those pagans,”
1 Samuel 14:6 (NLT)
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!”
On this regular day, Jonathan decided to step out in faith. He hadn’t received a word from the Lord. He just chose to trust God and took a bold step, and we see below that God honoured his faith. Victory was obtained on that same day. I believe God loves faith and honours it.
So the Lord saved Israel that day,
1 Samuel 14:23 (NLT)
and the battle continued to rage even beyond Beth-aven.
FINal Thoughts
You don’t have to wait for the first day of the year or the first day of the month to do a good thing or a project you’re planning to complete. An ordinary day can be a day of victory for you too if you decide to act in faith. Pray and commit your plans to God.
What act of faith are you taking today? What other lesson did you identify from the story?
Enamoured 