Embracing Uncertainty: A Lesson in Faith from Jonathan
1 Sam 14:6 And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: 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.
“It may be” is not a lot to go on, or at least it doesn’t appear that way! However, when we consider the fact that Jonathan moved into battle without being certain of the outcome, we must conclude that he was definitely counting on the Lord to come through for him. The truth is, some time-sensitive decisions in life must be made whether or not we are totally prepared to make them!
Jonathan knew that an opportunity had presented itself for him to slip away and do battle, and that he had a companion to go with him. Furthermore, he knew that the battle would not be won doing nothing at all, so he took a risk. Living by faith is much like taking risks; the only difference is that those who take the biggest risk are those who do not live by faith at all.
If we knew what all we were missing, we would begin trusting and relying upon God immediately! One of the strange things about doubt is its ability to steal from you that which you did not even realize was missing! We are not called to live our lives just so that when we get to the end of our journey, we say, “What if?” Part of faith is going into unknown, unfamiliar, uncharted territory and just plain trusting God to see us through!
Allow me to share a personal testimony with you. Back when I purchased my home, I made an offer not knowing whether or not the offer would be accepted; or if it was, whether or not I would be able to obtain favorable financing; or if I did, whether or not I could afford the mortgage payment, which was unknown at that time. All I had was a prayer and an offer! I didn’t know for sure whether or not this was the house for me, but all I knew was I had a window of opportunity in which to work, and if I did my part, MAYBE God would work out the rest.
Well, let me tell you, not only was my offer (about 60% of the appraised value) accepted, but I also received 100% financing, cash back at closing, and a good locked in mortgage rate, right in the midst of the banking crisis of ’08! So I say to you, go ahead and test your faith; it MAY BE that God will do for you what you are expecting Him to, but the only way to know for sure is to just go for it in faith believing!
~ Pastor Gary Caudill
“It may be” is not a lot to go on, or at least it doesn’t appear that way! However, when we consider the fact that Jonathan moved into battle without being certain of the outcome, we must conclude that he was definitely counting on the Lord to come through for him. The truth is, some time-sensitive decisions in life must be made whether or not we are totally prepared to make them!
Jonathan knew that an opportunity had presented itself for him to slip away and do battle, and that he had a companion to go with him. Furthermore, he knew that the battle would not be won doing nothing at all, so he took a risk. Living by faith is much like taking risks; the only difference is that those who take the biggest risk are those who do not live by faith at all.
If we knew what all we were missing, we would begin trusting and relying upon God immediately! One of the strange things about doubt is its ability to steal from you that which you did not even realize was missing! We are not called to live our lives just so that when we get to the end of our journey, we say, “What if?” Part of faith is going into unknown, unfamiliar, uncharted territory and just plain trusting God to see us through!
Allow me to share a personal testimony with you. Back when I purchased my home, I made an offer not knowing whether or not the offer would be accepted; or if it was, whether or not I would be able to obtain favorable financing; or if I did, whether or not I could afford the mortgage payment, which was unknown at that time. All I had was a prayer and an offer! I didn’t know for sure whether or not this was the house for me, but all I knew was I had a window of opportunity in which to work, and if I did my part, MAYBE God would work out the rest.
Well, let me tell you, not only was my offer (about 60% of the appraised value) accepted, but I also received 100% financing, cash back at closing, and a good locked in mortgage rate, right in the midst of the banking crisis of ’08! So I say to you, go ahead and test your faith; it MAY BE that God will do for you what you are expecting Him to, but the only way to know for sure is to just go for it in faith believing!
~ Pastor Gary Caudill