Whatever You Decide, I'm With You

O. T. #602  "Whatever You Decide, I'm With You"
September 25, 2015
1 Samuel 14
It may be that the LORD will work for us for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.  1 Samuel 14:6 

LET IT GLOW

What were the odds for King Saul and his army of 600? The Philistine army was as numerous as the sand. That is not good odds for Israel. Yet, their God is all powerful and very creative when it comes to His fighting for His children.
Jonathan, King Saul's son, told his armor bearer to go with him to the Philistine outpost. (He didn't tell his father.) No one was aware that Jonathan left.

What was another remark Jonathan said to his armor bearer?
It is found in the latter part of verse 6: Perhaps the LORD will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.

Do numbers that get saved really matter when one is doing God's will? They are individuals that God loves. Why are we so judgmental as to whether something was successful according to the number that got saved? We had 7 girls out of 100 at last Saturday's teen girls retreat who got saved. Most of those attending were church goers, anyway. That means 7 girls are now heading to heaven. Praise Him!

Do we base our decision to do a kingdom work on how many are involved?

LET IT GROW

What was the armor bearer's reply to Jonathan?
Do what is in your heart. You choose. I'm right here with you whatever you decide.

That is a faithful, supportive person. How our divorce numbers would fall if our couples would support each other in their decisions like this. How successful our companies would be if our employees backed their boss in this manner. What about friendships, relationships, teachers? Are we with our loved ones in their decisions? Do we have their back? Or is our whatever an if-if you succeed, if you can do it?

Jonathan knew the Philistine numbers was no problem to God. God honored the faith of these two men with a tremendous victory. Jonathan climbed up on and cut down some Philistines. His armor bearer finished them off. In that first assault, they struck down 20 men in a half acre field. Now that is good odds.

Are you facing over-whelming odds today in your life? Are you feeling surrounded by the enemy? Never fear, God is here. His resources are enough to win the battle we face. Have faith.

What was the result of this small attack?

•  Terror spread in the Philistine camp and the open fields to all the troops. (verse 15)
• Then the earth shook and terror spread from God. The Philistine troops panicked and scattered in every direction.
• Israelis observed.
• Saul had the roll called in his army and discovered who the heroes were.
• Panic continued among the Philistines. Saul called for the Ark to be brought there, but changed his mind.
• The Philistines were fighting each other in great confusion. (verse 20)
• Saul's army was joined by traders and those living in the hill country of Ephraim when they heard the Philistines were fleeing.
• The LORD saved Israel that day. (verse 23)

What a story of bravery and faith. Which character are we like when a battle comes in our life? Do we disobey God like Saul? Or are we brave and face the enemy like Jonathan?
Victory is in the hand of the Lord. Are we seeking His will, obeying His instructions, trusting Him for the outcome? Do we tell Him "whatever You decide, I'm with You?"

LET IT GO

                               ... of fear and trust God for the outcome.