How Your Faith Can Change Things Dramatically

Can your faith make a difference against overwhelming odds? What could happen if you would step out in faith? There is a story in the Bible that encourages our faith and helps us realize that faith can change lives forever!

Alex Radelich

In 1 Samuel 13 and 14, we read about a devastating problem facing the people of Israel. They were facing a fierce Philistine army of overwhelming force. This was such a desperate situation that fear seized the army of Israel – so much so that the soldiers were deserting to find safe places to hide!

The Philistines were ruling over parts of Israel at the time. They had such control that there were only two with sword or spear in the entire Israelite army – king Saul and his son Jonathan.

Saul was staying at the outskirts of Gibeah in a cave. Jonathan was surveying the enemy.

Then Faith kicked in

Jonathan exercised his faith. He decided that God could save the country if even only he and his armor bearer took action. His armor bearer stepped up and agreed to join in. They moved forward and attacked the Philistine garrison and won a quick and decisive victory. That blitz attack spread panic throughout the entire army.

Soon the army of Israel realized that something was happening and joined the battle. Even those who were hiding in fear came out and joined the attack. They won a great victory that day because one man declared his faith and then acted on it.

God Will Act

Jonathan was sure that God would act if he would take action and God did not disappoint him.

So what do you do when faced with insurmountable odds?

Let’s look at what we can learn from this story.

1. Jonathan was not content to sit back and wonder what comes next. He would not stay where we was but looked for a way! Examining a problem through the eyes of faith opens up possibilities.
2. He shared his faith with the one he was with. His armor-bearer fully joined in the venture with him.
3. He acted when he was sure God was prompting him. He didn’t wait for complete assurance but acted on what he ‘knew.’ What did he know? “nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.” (1 Samuel 14:6 – ESV)
4. His faith encouraged his armor-bearer who fully participated. Both Jonathan and the armor-bearer were fully engaged in the battle. If our faith is going make a difference, we must fully engage in whatever we are called to do.
5. Their faith sent a panic through the enemy and empowered an entire army with boldness! Suddenly hundreds of fearful men became mighty warriors for the people of God.
6. Stating we believe God can do anything only becomes a statement of faith when we take action. Today, we had a friend who was facing a financial crisis. She prayed, believing God could help her. Then she began to make phone calls to her creditors, anticipating an answer. And God acted on her first call. You have to take action!

Your Turn

What are you facing? Maybe things are going well in your life. Are things going well in your church? What about at work or school?

Ask God what you should do and then do it. Act in faith and then testify to what God has done! Share your victory with others, it will encourage their faith and help them become bold warriors for the kingdom!

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