Is Courageous In The Lord

Is Courageous In The Lord

A HERO’S TALE

Israel was in trouble.

God had rejected Saul, Israel’s first king, for his disobedience, and the young nation was at war with Philistia. The Philistines had gained control of all the blacksmiths in Canaan, meaning the Israelites had no way of making metal weapons to defend themselves. The Bible says, “Not a soldier with Saul and Jonathan had a sword or spear in his hand; only Saul and his son Jonathan had them” (1 Samuel 13:22, NIV).

Worse yet, Saul’s standing army was only 600 men, while the Philistines boasted thousands of chariots and “as many warriors as the grains of sand on the seashore” (1 Samuel 13:5). Israel’s situation was so desperate that many soldiers deserted Saul and joined the enemy. Others hid in any cave or hole they could find. With a clear military advantage, the Philistines were tightening their grip on central Israel.

Jonathan, Saul’s son, had every reason to be scared. As the crown prince of Israel, his future kingdom seemed to be slipping away. He could’ve retreated to the palace, trembling in fear. Or he could’ve hid in a nearby cave with others.

But he didn’t.

With great courage, Jonathan and his armor bearer climbed up a rocky cliff, attacked a Philistine outpost, and killed 20 men by themselves. When Philistia’s main army found out, the soldiers panicked and started fighting each other. Saul heard of this and took advantage of his enemy’s weakness. (Check out the whole story in 1 Samuel 14.)

Jonathan’s bravery sparked a great Israelite victory!

DECODING THE MESSAGE

Putting 2 against 20 isn’t very good odds. Would you and a friend ever go up against 20 nasty neighborhood bullies? No way!

But Jonathan didn’t think twice about it. This swashbuckling hero was one courageous dude. Listen to what he told his armor bearer before they attacked: “Nothing can hinder the LORD. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!” (1 Samuel 14:6).

Did you notice where Jonathan’s courage came from? It wasn’t his own strength or fighting skills. It came from his trust in the Lord.

God is fully trustworthy because he is all-powerful and all-knowing —and he loves you. He protects his children and does only what’s best for them.

The same God who loved and helped Jonathan also loves and wants to help you. No matter what difficult situation you’re facing, take courage in the Lord. He is fully trustworthy!

BATTLE PLAN

Memorize today’s verse as a helpful reminder for times when you need courage. If you want other similar verses, check out Joshua 1:9 and 1 Corinthians 16:13.