#1268. God wants us to take new steps of faith (13/5/25)

Welcome to the Come to Jesus Daily Devotional. This week, I’m sharing a new devotional each weekday. Our reflections are inspired by themes from our recent church weekend away, and I pray they will encourage and challenge us. 

Jonathan and his young armour bearer challenge us to trust that God prepares good works in advance—and invites us to step out in courageous faith and encouragement.

To watch this devotional, select the link below:

‘One day Jonathan son of Saul said to his young armour-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But he did not tell his father. 2 Saul was staying on the outskirts of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree in Migron. With him were about six hundred men, 3 among whom was Ahijah, who was wearing an ephod. He was a son of Ichabod’s brother Ahitub son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the Lord’s priest in Shiloh. No one was aware that Jonathan had left. 4 On each side of the pass that Jonathan intended to cross to reach the Philistine outpost was a cliff; one was called Bozez and the other Seneh. 5 One cliff stood to the north toward Mikmash, the other to the south toward Geba. 6 Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.” 7 “Do all that you have in mind,” his armour-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”’ (1 Samuel 14:1-7) 

1. Come, let’s go over

In 1 Samuel 14, we meet Jonathan, the son of King Saul, in a moment of bold, faith-fuelled initiative. Israel’s army was vastly outnumbered and hiding in fear. But Jonathan, with only his young armour-bearer by his side, dared to believe that God could bring victory no matter the odds.

This is a moment of deep discouragement for Israel. They are under attack from the Philistines. They were outnumbered and in dire straits. We read of the enemy that was coming against them:

‘The Philistines assembled to fight Israel, with three thousand chariots, six thousand charioteers, and soldiers as numerous as the sand on the seashore.’ (1 Samuel 13:5) ‘When the Israelites saw that their situation was critical and that their army was hard pressed, they hid in caves and thickets, among the rocks, and in pits and cisterns…Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear.’ (1 Samuel 13:6-7b) 

This episode contrasts fear and faith. While most of Israel was paralysed by fear and hiding, Jonathan believed God could still act. We see Saul’s hesitancy verses Jonathan’s courage. Saul stayed back, trying to hold on to control, while Jonathan moved forward, trusting in God’s power.

Like Jonathan and his armour bearer, we face great enemies and are often tempted to lose heart and faith. We face much unbelief, false belief and, behind all this are satanic forces that want to keep many from entering the Kingdom of God. The question of us is will we choose to say, ‘come, let’s go over…’? 

2. Nothing can hinder the Lord

Jonathan’s words in verse 6 are powerful: “Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.”

It wasn’t reckless bravery — it was a step of faith, taken with the confidence that God is not limited by our resources, numbers, or circumstances. Jonathan didn’t have a battle plan; he had trust in God’s power and willingness to act on behalf of those who step out in faith.

Like Jonathan and his armour bearer, will we choose to believe in God and say, “Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.” Does our faith line up with the reality that: 

‘The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.’ (1 John 4:4)

3. I am with you

Finally, the armour-bearer’s response is just as inspiring:“Do all that you have in mind... I am with you heart and soul.” (v7) This partnership reminds us how important it is to have people alongside us will encourage us. We need people to remind us that ‘nothing can hinder the Lord…’. We also need to be those who, like this armour bearer, respond to leadership and encouragement. 

This account reminds us that those who lead and those who support are equally important. Leaders and ‘followers’ need encouragement. Whilst it may be true that the Jonathan’s - the leaders - may get a name in history, in God, our humble, faithful support is also vital and is recorded in heaven! 

God wants to lead us into His good works, so let’s be ready and willing to offer encouragement, and take daring action as He leads. 

Today, let’s ask ourselves:

• In this dark world where there is much to make us lose heart, become passive and fearful, do I still believe that God calls His people to take new steps of faith? Am I ready to say “Let’s go over”? 

• Am I trusting God like this duo, who are able to say that “Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.”? Am we prepared to attempt more than I, in my weakness, am capable of doing without God? 

• Am I offering faithful, encouraging support by saying, “Do all that you have in mind... I am with you heart and soul.” (v7)?

Let’s pray together

“Father, I thank you that you are God Almighty. You are able to do all that you promise. With you I can do all that you call me to do. Help me, with your church, to move into great victories for your glory. Amen.” 

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Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

This study is inspired by our recent weekend away, where Henk Kirsten spoke to us. I’ve titled this series God Is Preparing Us. Over the weekend, Henk shared insights from the lives of Jacob, Jonah, and Jonathan with his young armour bearer. In each of these biblical characters, we see how God enlarged their faith and refined their character to prepare them for His greater purposes.

Discussion:

1. Read Jonah 4:1–11. What does God teach Jonah in this passage? What might He be teaching us through Jonah’s experience?

2. Read 1 Samuel 14:1–7. What does this story show us about acting on the “perhaps” of faith?

3. Read 1 Samuel 14:8–15. What can we learn about discerning God’s voice when we are seeking to do His will?

4. Reflect on the young armour bearer’s response. What does his attitude teach us about being an encouragement to others—especially to those stepping out in faith and leadership?

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• Mission inspiration from the text - Is there anything from the theme of our weekend away that inspires us in our mission?

• Share Stories – Have you had any recent experiences of Serving, Investing, or Inviting someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us. 

• Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Discuss and pray for those you regularly engage with, including any ‘people of peace’ (* See note) in your life—those open to you and the gospel.

Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• with, including any ‘people of peace’ (* See note) in your life—those open to you and the gospel.

Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.