Take Initiative For God - 1 Samuel 11-15

1 Samuel 14:12-15 (ESV)

And the men of the garrison hailed Jonathan and his armor-bearer and said, “Come up to us, and we will show you a thing.” And Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Come up after me, for the LORD has given them into the hand of Israel.” Then Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, and his armor-bearer after him. And they fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer killed them after him. And that first strike, which Jonathan and his armor-bearer made, killed about twenty men within as it were half a furrow’s length in an acre of land. And there was a panic in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. The garrison and even the raiders trembled, the earth quaked, and it became a very great panic.

Jonathan is often an overlooked figure in the story of his father Saul and, who will become Saul’s enemy, but Jonathan’s best friend, David.   Jonathan is portrayed in Scripture as a strong, loyal and courageous figure.   The above story, however, demonstrates his initiative. 

At this point in history the Philistines and Israel are in back and fourth battles.  They each seem to get their victories and each their defeats.   When Israel asked for a king, God accommodated and gave them Saul.  Johnathan was one of his sons.   

In the above story we see Jonathan doing something courageous for God; stepping out on his own.   He and his armor bearer attack this Philistines outpost and God gives them a great victory.   God will use this to strike fear into the Philistines,   Saul does not know Jonathan is on this expedition.   This shows his initiative.  God uses him to strike fear into the Philistines.  

The truth to learn here is that using one’s initiative to trust God can be used by God to capture the hearts and minds of others.  We don’t have to wait until we are directed to fight God’s fight.  We can conquer in our lives and that allows God to conquer through our making ourselves available to Him.