Faith In Impossible Odds | 1 Samuel 14:6

When the odds are stacked against you, will you still act in faith?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in 1 Samuel 14. I've titled this chapter "A Contrast Of Leadership Between Jonathan and Saul."

This is a long chapter that could be divided into two parts. Part one is the story of Jonathan's leadership, and part two is the story of Saul's leadership. As you will see there is a great contrast between these two men.

Remember, Saul and Jonathan are a father-son duo in a desperate situation. Jonathan defeated a garrison that stirred up the Philistines, and Saul had just acted in disobedience. Their force of 3000 is now reduced to 600 ragtag men. They have no weapons, just gardening tools, and they watch as the enemy Philistines surround them, cutting them off from retreat and help from any side.

But then, almost out of nowhere, we hear this from young Jonathan in verse six:

Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.” — 1 Samuel 14:6

Out of this moment arises one man. One man sees the entire situation differently.

Just to let you know, I am a realist. Some people are natural pessimists, and others are optimists, but I would classify myself as a realist. I see the reality in each situation. Because of this, sometimes I can tip toward pessimism, and other times I tip toward optimism, which has to do with my past experiences with a given situation.

Regardless, Jonathan is not declaring optimistism. He is not looking at a bad situation and calling it a good situation. There is nothing good about this situation. What he is stating is his faith in God. He believes and is fully convinced that God can do anything in and with a terrible situation and that he can take action based on his faith, even if the odds in the present situation are stacked against him.

I don't know what the situation is before you today. This situation might be overwhelming. You might feel surrounded. If so, I want you to know that, in all reality, this situation might be terrible, and the odds might be fully stacked against you. But remember, you serve a God who defies all odds. So, regardless of your situation, don't let your situation dictate a change in what you believe about God. Believe in faith, trust in a God who can do anything, and act based on this because Jonathan was right: "Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few." That is not a statement of optimism. It's a statement of fact.

#FaithOverFear, #LeadershipLessons, #TrustInGod

Ask This:
In what areas of your life do you feel overwhelmed or surrounded, and how can you apply Jonathan's faith in God's ability to save, regardless of the odds?
How does your view of God influence your actions during difficult situations, and what steps can you take to strengthen your trust in Him as Jonathan did?
Do This:

Act in faith, not optimism or pessimism.

Pray This:

Lord, help me to trust in Your power and sovereignty, even when the odds are against me. Strengthen my faith like Jonathan's so I can act boldly and confidently in Your name. Amen.

Play This:

Stand In Faith.