Our days are filled with stressful situations that send us reeling in fear and anxiety.
We often feel paralyzed by our fears and doubts, and we are tempted to retreat.
During these pivotal times moments, we must remember that we can choose faith over fear.
Sometimes, all we need to have a breakthrough and victory as a community is a leader whose example motivates and inspires us.
It is amazing what influence the courage of one person can have.
Johnathan was just the type of courageous leader his people needed.
His faithfulness paved the way to a great victory for the Israelites.
Let’s explore together how God responded to his act of faith and courage by providing everything needed.
A Biblical Example of Faith and Courage
“So on the day of battle not a sword or spear could be found in the hand of any of the troops who were with Saul and Jonathan; only Saul and his son Jonathan had weapons.” – 1 Samuel 13:22 HCSB
Israel and the Philistines were in a constant war conflict during the reign of King Saul. In many aspects, Israel was weaker.
For example, we learn in 1 Samuel chapter 13 that Israel didn’t have weapons because the Philistines had banned the blacksmiths from the land of Israel.
“So on the day of battle not a sword or spear could be found in the hand of any of the troops who were with Saul and Jonathan; only Saul and his son Jonathan had weapons” (1 Sam13:22 HCSB).
Nevertheless, God gave Jonathan the idea, desire, faith, and courage to go to the Philistine outpost and attack it.
Jonathan said to the attendant who carried his weapons, “Come on, let’s cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will help us. Nothing can keep the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few” (1 Sam 14:6 HCSB).
What a powerful statement of faith: nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.
This courage comes from faith properly placed: not in the human strength and equipment, but in God’s saving power.
Courage comes from faith properly placed not in human strength and equipment, but in God’s saving power.
The Lord Provides Support and Guidance
“Do what is in your heart. You choose. I’m right here with you whatever you decide.” – 1 Samuel 14:7 HCSB
The Lord didn’t delay in rewarding such a beautiful expression of faith and courage.
The first thing He provided was support and help through the gracious response of Jonathan’s armor-bearer.
The second thing the Lord provided was guidance.
He gave Jonathan wisdom and discernment on how to interpret the reaction of the Philistines, so he could have confirmation from the Lord to attack.
The answer of the Philistines was such a confirmation.
The men of the garrison called to Jonathan and his armor-bearer. They said, “Come on up, and we’ll teach you a lesson” (1 Sam 14:12 HCSB),
The Lord rewards our beautiful expressions of faith and courage.The Lord Provides Strength and Victory
“Jonathan climbed up using his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer behind him. Jonathan cut them down, and his armor-bearer followed and finished them off.” – 1 Samuel 14:13 HCSB
The Lord not only gave support, help, and guidance, but He also supplied Jonathan with the strength to turn his faith into deeds.
The Lord supplies everything we need from the beginning to the end if we take steps of faith and obedience.
We must obey Him from the desire for every good deed to the strength to carry it out successfully, including all the help and support we may need.
The courageous deed of Jonathan led to the first victory that opened the way later for the rest of the Israelite troops to destroy the Philistines.
The Effect of Jonathan’s Courageous Example
“When all the Israelite men who had been hiding in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they also joined Saul and Jonathan in the battle. So the Lord saved Israel that day.” – 1 Samuel 14:22-23 HCSB
Jonathan’s courageous example had a powerful, encouraging, and inspiring effect on the Israelites.
It mobilized the army and gave them the courage to step out of hiding and fight. Even people who had hidden joined the battle. This led to a glorious victory showcasing God’s deliverance.
We can never fully estimate the impact of our acts of faith and courage.
The Lord can use the example of one person and influence a large multitude, ushering them into victory and blessings.
We should never underestimate the everyday steps of obedience we take.
The Lord will always reward our faith and courage.
We never can fully estimate the full effect of our acts of faith and courage.The People Save Jonathan and Give God the Honor
“Must Jonathan die, who accomplished such a great deliverance for Israel? No, as the Lord lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for he worked with God’s help today.” – 1 Samuel 14:45 HCSB
Besides leading the people in battle and to victory, Jonathan’s good example evoked thankfulness and appreciation in the hearts.
The people recognized that everything that had happened was with God’s help and because of Him.
God was the one leading Jonathan and providing for the people.
In an act of thanking God and Jonathan and giving praise to Him, they interceded for Jonathan and saved him from Saul’s oath.
The people stood up for Jonathan, and he did not die.
Becoming People of Faith and Courage
“Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6 HCSB
Jonathan is a great example of a person stepping into a leadership role by taking a courageous step in faith.
He trusted God to help him in the battle and provide victory.
We can also follow Jonathan’s example when we remember that with God, everything is possible, and He rewards courage and faith.
The Lord needs available and willing vessels that are not afraid to follow His leading.
Let’s resolve to become people of faith and courage, not afraid to take risks who depend on God’s strength. This way, we can also live lives that inspire and motivate others.
What steps can you take to become a person of faith and courage today?
– Haddasah Treu
Hadassah Treu is an award-winning Christian blogger, author, and poet, the Encouraging Blogger Award Winner of 2020. She is a regular contributor to Devotable and Koinonia, and COMPEL Proverbs 31 Ministries Blog writer. Hadassah is also a contributing author to several award-winning devotionals and poetry anthologies. She has been featured on (In)courage, Proverbs 31 Ministries, Her View From Home, Living by Design Ministries, Thoughts About God, Today’s Christian Living, and other popular sites. Connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
