1 Samuel 14:6–7: “Then Jonathan said to the young man who bore 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 restrains the LORD from saving by many or by few.’ So his armor bearer said to him, ‘Do all that is in your heart. Go then; here I am with you, according to your heart.’”

May 23rd, 2023 by Pastor Ed in devotional

Jonathan, the son of Saul, called the Philistine gentiles uncircumcised because they did not have a covenant relationship with God. He was pointing out the advantage the Israelites had because of the blessing of God on their lives. This is a beautiful illustration of what it means to take a venture in faith. Jonathan saw that they had the advantage of a personal relationship with the eternal God, so he said, “it may be,” or said another way, “let’s go and see” if God would give them victory over their enemy.

We love the phrase “it’s not a difficult thing for God to do” because nothing restrains the Lord. Or we might say that something is “no sweat” or a “piece of cake” for God. Jonathan realized God was capable of saving by a whole army or by a couple of people. Even one person yielded to the hand of God is an instrument that can change the world. Jonathan knew God’s character and that God was predictable, and he trusted Him enough to risk his own life.

Trust is only convincingly established, over a long period of time, under a variety of circumstances, with consistent action. We have the great advantage of having the whole Word of God, and we can see clearly that He has revealed Himself as consistent and faithful. He is not arbitrary; He doesn’t make decisions based on whim or impulse. He is trustworthy. Faith is trust placed in an object, and the correct object is God Himself. We need to learn to take “ventures in faith,” and to go to the edge with God, knowing He will meet us there. Faith is daring the soul to go father than it can see.

“LORD, help us to take a venture in faith with You this day, farther than we can see.”