Stop Playing It Safe (1 Samuel 14:1-23) | Rise and Ruin | Mike Kelsey

Now, 1st Samuel 14 is where we're going Now, 1st Samuel 14 is where we're going to be. And we got a lot of ground to to be. And we got a lot of ground to to be. And we got a lot of ground to cover today. Uh if you were with us, uh cover today. Uh if you were with us, uh cover today. Uh if you were with us, uh we left off uh a few weeks ago uh in 1st we left off uh a few weeks ago uh in 1st we left off uh a few weeks ago uh in 1st Samuel chapter 13. And so today, we're Samuel chapter 13. And so today, we're Samuel chapter 13. And so today, we're going to go from the end of chapter 13 going to go from the end of chapter 13 going to go from the end of chapter 13 all the way through chapter 14 verse 23. all the way through chapter 14 verse 23. all the way through chapter 14 verse 23. But let me read the key verse that I But let me read the key verse that I But let me read the key verse that I think God wants to press into our think God wants to press into our think God wants to press into our hearts. The key verse in this section is hearts. The key verse in this section is hearts. The key verse in this section is uh in chapter 14 verse 6. Let me read uh in chapter 14 verse 6. Let me read uh in chapter 14 verse 6. Let me read this for us. Jonathan said to the young this for us. Jonathan said to the young this for us. Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, "Come, let us man who carried his armor, "Come, let us man who carried his armor, "Come, let us go over to the garrison of these go over to the garrison of these go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised." uncircumcised." uncircumcised." If you're new to the Bible is weird. If you're new to the Bible is weird. If you're new to the Bible is weird. I'll explain that in a minute. It may be I'll explain that in a minute. It may be I'll explain that in a minute. It may be that the Lord will work for us. For that the Lord will work for us. For that the Lord will work for us. For nothing can hinder the Lord from saving nothing can hinder the Lord from saving nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few. by many or by few. by many or by few. It may be that the Lord will work for It may be that the Lord will work for It may be that the Lord will work for us. For nothing can hinder the Lord from us. For nothing can hinder the Lord from us. For nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few. I want to give saving by many or by few. I want to give saving by many or by few. I want to give you the title of my sermon right up top you the title of my sermon right up top you the title of my sermon right up top because it summarizes the main thing I because it summarizes the main thing I because it summarizes the main thing I think God wants to say to us through think God wants to say to us through think God wants to say to us through this passage. As I've been praying for this passage. As I've been praying for this passage. As I've been praying for us and preparing this message, this is, us and preparing this message, this is, us and preparing this message, this is, I think, the main thing God wants to say I think, the main thing God wants to say I think, the main thing God wants to say to us. Here's the title. Stop playing it to us. Here's the title. Stop playing it to us. Here's the title. Stop playing it safe.

Stop playing it safe. I want to pray for Stop playing it safe. I want to pray for us. Uh, but before we do that, I want to us. Uh, but before we do that, I want to us. Uh, but before we do that, I want to give you a minute just between you and give you a minute just between you and give you a minute just between you and God because because some of y'all God because because some of y'all God because because some of y'all already you like, why are you coming for already you like, why are you coming for already you like, why are you coming for me like that? You already know God is me like that? You already know God is me like that? You already know God is speaking like directly to you. Um, but speaking like directly to you. Um, but speaking like directly to you. Um, but let's just take a minute and just ask let's just take a minute and just ask let's just take a minute and just ask God, God, would you speak to me God, God, would you speak to me God, God, would you speak to me personally through your word uh today? personally through your word uh today? personally through your word uh today? Take a minute between you and God. Father, we thank you for your word. We Father, we thank you for your word. We need your word. need your word. need your word. Father, we desire your word and Lord, Father, we desire your word and Lord, Father, we desire your word and Lord, where we don't or where we struggle, where we don't or where we struggle, where we don't or where we struggle, God, we pray that you would meet us God, we pray that you would meet us God, we pray that you would meet us where we are today. And Father, I pray where we are today. And Father, I pray where we are today. And Father, I pray that you would speak that you would speak that you would speak to us and work in us by the power of to us and work in us by the power of to us and work in us by the power of your Holy Spirit. We pray this in Jesus your Holy Spirit. We pray this in Jesus your Holy Spirit. We pray this in Jesus name.

name. name. >> Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. >> Amen. Amen. Uh well uh in 1859 there was a a famous Uh well uh in 1859 there was a a famous Uh well uh in 1859 there was a a famous uh tightroppe walker named Charles uh tightroppe walker named Charles uh tightroppe walker named Charles Blondon. And some of you guys have heard Blondon. And some of you guys have heard Blondon. And some of you guys have heard this story uh before uh but he decided this story uh before uh but he decided this story uh before uh but he decided to do something dumb and uh to to do something dumb and uh to to do something dumb and uh to tightroppe across the Niagara Falls. And tightroppe across the Niagara Falls. And tightroppe across the Niagara Falls. And he was known for doing crazy uh stunts he was known for doing crazy uh stunts he was known for doing crazy uh stunts like this. And the the short version of like this. And the the short version of like this. And the the short version of the story is he did it. Um and he did it the story is he did it. Um and he did it the story is he did it. Um and he did it with no net. There was no helicopter or with no net. There was no helicopter or with no net. There was no helicopter or like drone that could like catch him uh like drone that could like catch him uh like drone that could like catch him uh if he if he fell. He did it on a rope if he if he fell. He did it on a rope if he if he fell. He did it on a rope that was from what I read 1300 feet long that was from what I read 1300 feet long that was from what I read 1300 feet long and 2 in in diameter. Um, and he carried and 2 in in diameter. Um, and he carried and 2 in in diameter. Um, and he carried a a wheelbarrow a a wheelbarrow a a wheelbarrow across when he did it that was carrying across when he did it that was carrying across when he did it that was carrying some things uh in that wheelbarrow. Now, some things uh in that wheelbarrow. Now, some things uh in that wheelbarrow. Now, some of this might be folklore. I don't some of this might be folklore. I don't some of this might be folklore. I don't know, but I read that he carried like a know, but I read that he carried like a know, but I read that he carried like a sack of potatoes in the wheelbarrow and sack of potatoes in the wheelbarrow and sack of potatoes in the wheelbarrow and some and some other things. I don't know some and some other things. I don't know some and some other things. I don't know for sure, but I know for sure it's been for sure, but I know for sure it's been for sure, but I know for sure it's been verified. He carried a wheelbarrow verified. He carried a wheelbarrow verified. He carried a wheelbarrow across uh this tightroppe. Uh, and now across uh this tightroppe. Uh, and now across uh this tightroppe. Uh, and now this part again, I don't know if it's this part again, I don't know if it's this part again, I don't know if it's actually true. Some people say it's actually true. Some people say it's actually true. Some people say it's actually true. I haven't been able to actually true. I haven't been able to actually true. I haven't been able to verify it. But as the story goes, uh verify it. But as the story goes, uh verify it. But as the story goes, uh before he went across, he turns to a before he went across, he turns to a before he went across, he turns to a crowd of people. He says, "Do you crowd of people. He says, "Do you crowd of people. He says, "Do you believe I can carry a man across?" And believe I can carry a man across?" And believe I can carry a man across?" And the crowd says, "Yes." And then he

the crowd says, "Yes." And then he the crowd says, "Yes." And then he asked, "Then which one of you will get asked, "Then which one of you will get asked, "Then which one of you will get in the wheelbarrow?" >> Silence is golden. >> Silence is golden. Because there's a difference between Because there's a difference between Because there's a difference between believing something believing something believing something and believing it enough to actually act and believing it enough to actually act and believing it enough to actually act on it. Believing is agreeing that on it. Believing is agreeing that on it. Believing is agreeing that something is true. something is true. something is true. But faith or or trusting is actually But faith or or trusting is actually But faith or or trusting is actually believing it to the point that you'll believing it to the point that you'll believing it to the point that you'll build your life on it, that you'll make build your life on it, that you'll make build your life on it, that you'll make your decisions based on it, that you'll your decisions based on it, that you'll your decisions based on it, that you'll actually act on it. actually act on it. actually act on it. And what we're going to see in the And what we're going to see in the And what we're going to see in the passage we're going to study is a passage we're going to study is a passage we're going to study is a picture of the difference between just picture of the difference between just picture of the difference between just saying I believe something and then saying I believe something and then saying I believe something and then actually having enough faith to to to actually having enough faith to to to actually having enough faith to to to stand 10 toes down on it to to to stand 10 toes down on it to to to stand 10 toes down on it to to to actually trust it to to live on it to to actually trust it to to live on it to to actually trust it to to live on it to to move based on that truth that you say move based on that truth that you say move based on that truth that you say you're going to believe. And so in this you're going to believe. And so in this you're going to believe. And so in this passage we're zooming in uh on uh passage we're zooming in uh on uh passage we're zooming in uh on uh Jonathan. Jonathan is the son of King Jonathan. Jonathan is the son of King Jonathan. Jonathan is the son of King Saul. And we we're going to see this Saul. And we we're going to see this Saul. And we we're going to see this contrast between King Saul uh and his contrast between King Saul uh and his contrast between King Saul uh and his son uh Jonathan. And here's if you're son uh Jonathan. And here's if you're son uh Jonathan. And here's if you're taking notes, here's what we're going to taking notes, here's what we're going to taking notes, here's what we're going to look at. Uh we got a lot of ground to look at. Uh we got a lot of ground to look at. Uh we got a lot of ground to cover, so we're going to move through it cover, so we're going to move through it cover, so we're going to move through it quickly. We're going to see uh what quickly. We're going to see uh what quickly. We're going to see uh what faith sees. We'll see that in verses 1- faith sees. We'll see that in verses 1- faith sees. We'll see that in verses 1- 7 of chapter 14. What faith does, we'll 7 of chapter 14. What faith does, we'll 7 of chapter 14. What faith does, we'll see that in verses 8 uh to 14. And then see that in verses 8 uh to 14. And then see that in verses 8 uh to 14. And then what faith experiences in verses 15 to

what faith experiences in verses 15 to what faith experiences in verses 15 to 23. So let's start out what faith sees. 23. So let's start out what faith sees. 23. So let's start out what faith sees. And to understand that, we have to back And to understand that, we have to back And to understand that, we have to back up for a minute and remember uh what led up for a minute and remember uh what led up for a minute and remember uh what led up to this point in the story. God's up to this point in the story. God's up to this point in the story. God's people are in over their heads. people are in over their heads. people are in over their heads. That they are overwhelmed That they are overwhelmed That they are overwhelmed by the circumstances they find by the circumstances they find by the circumstances they find themselves in. And so let's rewind for a themselves in. And so let's rewind for a themselves in. And so let's rewind for a minute. You might remember this. 1st minute. You might remember this. 1st minute. You might remember this. 1st Samuel 13:5. Here's the situation. It Samuel 13:5. Here's the situation. It Samuel 13:5. Here's the situation. It says, "The Philistines mustered." So, says, "The Philistines mustered." So, says, "The Philistines mustered." So, the Philistines are are are uh a a a the Philistines are are are uh a a a the Philistines are are are uh a a a notorious uh uh army uh military uh just notorious uh uh army uh military uh just notorious uh uh army uh military uh just one of the most annoying, dangerous, one of the most annoying, dangerous, one of the most annoying, dangerous, formidable enemies of the people of of formidable enemies of the people of of formidable enemies of the people of of God. The Philistines mustered to fight God. The Philistines mustered to fight God. The Philistines mustered to fight with Israel 30,000 chariots and 6,000 with Israel 30,000 chariots and 6,000 with Israel 30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen and troops like the sand on the horsemen and troops like the sand on the horsemen and troops like the sand on the seashore in multitude. They came up and seashore in multitude. They came up and seashore in multitude. They came up and encamped in Mcmash to the east of Beth encamped in Mcmash to the east of Beth encamped in Mcmash to the east of Beth Haven. And when the men of Israel saw, Haven. And when the men of Israel saw, Haven. And when the men of Israel saw, so what do they see? When they saw that so what do they see? When they saw that so what do they see? When they saw that they were in trouble, for the people they were in trouble, for the people they were in trouble, for the people were hardpressed, the people hid were hardpressed, the people hid were hardpressed, the people hid themselves in caves and in holes and in themselves in caves and in holes and in themselves in caves and in holes and in rocks and in tombs and inistns. And some rocks and in tombs and inistns. And some rocks and in tombs and inistns. And some Hebrews crossed the fords of the Jordan Hebrews crossed the fords of the Jordan Hebrews crossed the fords of the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. What do to the land of Gad and Gilead. What do to the land of Gad and Gilead. What do they see? They see trouble. They see a they see? They see trouble. They see a they see? They see trouble. They see a problem. And that drives how they problem. And that drives how they problem. And that drives how they respond. uh in in fear. And so Saul's respond. uh in in fear. And so Saul's respond. uh in in fear. And so Saul's army because of that fear has dwindled

army because of that fear has dwindled army because of that fear has dwindled from 3,000 soldiers to only 600. And if from 3,000 soldiers to only 600. And if from 3,000 soldiers to only 600. And if you remember, this is where King Saul you remember, this is where King Saul you remember, this is where King Saul lost God's blessing. Rather than lost God's blessing. Rather than lost God's blessing. Rather than trusting and obeying God, he freaked trusting and obeying God, he freaked trusting and obeying God, he freaked out. He took matters into his own hands out. He took matters into his own hands out. He took matters into his own hands and he disobeyed God's clear and he disobeyed God's clear and he disobeyed God's clear instructions and the rest of his family instructions and the rest of his family instructions and the rest of his family line was dis was disqualified from line was dis was disqualified from line was dis was disqualified from future leadership. And so S Saul is in a future leadership. And so S Saul is in a future leadership. And so S Saul is in a in a tight spot. Only 600 soldiers. in a tight spot. Only 600 soldiers. in a tight spot. Only 600 soldiers. Here's the scene. The Philistines have a Here's the scene. The Philistines have a Here's the scene. The Philistines have a stronger army. On top of that, they have stronger army. On top of that, they have stronger army. On top of that, they have a stronger position. You see that in a stronger position. You see that in a stronger position. You see that in verses 16 to 18. They have garrisons or verses 16 to 18. They have garrisons or verses 16 to 18. They have garrisons or these military outposts strategically these military outposts strategically these military outposts strategically located all throughout the region. So located all throughout the region. So located all throughout the region. So they basically control the whole area. they basically control the whole area. they basically control the whole area. And they've established a forward And they've established a forward And they've established a forward operating base in Mcmash, which is right operating base in Mcmash, which is right operating base in Mcmash, which is right across the ravine from where Saul and across the ravine from where Saul and across the ravine from where Saul and his army are. And then on top of that, his army are. And then on top of that, his army are. And then on top of that, they deployed what the Bible calls these they deployed what the Bible calls these they deployed what the Bible calls these raiding armies. They're armed uh patrol raiding armies. They're armed uh patrol raiding armies. They're armed uh patrol units in three different directions to units in three different directions to units in three different directions to intimidate the Israelites and to keep intimidate the Israelites and to keep intimidate the Israelites and to keep them boxed in. So you follow the them boxed in. So you follow the them boxed in. So you follow the situation here. The Philistines have a situation here. The Philistines have a situation here. The Philistines have a stronger army. They have a stronger stronger army. They have a stronger stronger army. They have a stronger position. And in verses 19 to 22, you position. And in verses 19 to 22, you position. And in verses 19 to 22, you see they also have stronger weapons. So see they also have stronger weapons. So see they also have stronger weapons. So this is what the people see. This is the this is what the people see. This is the this is what the people see. This is the reality of the situation that they're reality of the situation that they're reality of the situation that they're facing. And the question of chapter 14 facing. And the question of chapter 14 facing. And the question of chapter 14 is how will Saul respond and how will

is how will Saul respond and how will is how will Saul respond and how will Jonathan respond. So let's see chapter Jonathan respond. So let's see chapter Jonathan respond. So let's see chapter 14 verse one. It says, ' One day, 14 verse one. It says, ' One day, 14 verse one. It says, ' One day, Jonathan, the son of Saul, said to the Jonathan, the son of Saul, said to the Jonathan, the son of Saul, said to the young man who carried his armor, come young man who carried his armor, come young man who carried his armor, come let us go over to the Philistine let us go over to the Philistine let us go over to the Philistine garrison on the other side. But he did garrison on the other side. But he did garrison on the other side. But he did not tell his father. not tell his father. not tell his father. Saul was sta staying in the outskirts of Saul was sta staying in the outskirts of Saul was sta staying in the outskirts of Gibia in the pomegranate cave at Migran. Gibia in the pomegranate cave at Migran. Gibia in the pomegranate cave at Migran. And the people who were with him were And the people who were with him were And the people who were with him were about 600 men, including Ahijah, the son about 600 men, including Ahijah, the son about 600 men, including Ahijah, the son of a Ahitab, Icabad's brother, son of of a Ahitab, Icabad's brother, son of of a Ahitab, Icabad's brother, son of Phineas, son of Eli, the priest of the Phineas, son of Eli, the priest of the Phineas, son of Eli, the priest of the Lord, and Shiloh, wearing an ephit. Now, Lord, and Shiloh, wearing an ephit. Now, Lord, and Shiloh, wearing an ephit. Now, an ephit was a special vest that uh the an ephit was a special vest that uh the an ephit was a special vest that uh the high priest would wear uh and it carried high priest would wear uh and it carried high priest would wear uh and it carried like some equipment uh that he would use like some equipment uh that he would use like some equipment uh that he would use to discern God's guidance. And the to discern God's guidance. And the to discern God's guidance. And the people did not know that Jonathan was people did not know that Jonathan was people did not know that Jonathan was gone. Now, pause there for a minute so gone. Now, pause there for a minute so gone. Now, pause there for a minute so you understand what's happening here. you understand what's happening here. you understand what's happening here. From the jump, the writer is setting up From the jump, the writer is setting up From the jump, the writer is setting up a contrast between the complacency of a contrast between the complacency of a contrast between the complacency of King Saul and the courage of his son King Saul and the courage of his son King Saul and the courage of his son Jonathan.

Jonathan. Jonathan. You see what's happening? There's an You see what's happening? There's an You see what's happening? There's an enemy to fight. And notice where Saul enemy to fight. And notice where Saul enemy to fight. And notice where Saul is, the king. He's staying in the is, the king. He's staying in the is, the king. He's staying in the outskirts in the pomegranate cave or outskirts in the pomegranate cave or outskirts in the pomegranate cave or some uh translations would say under a some uh translations would say under a some uh translations would say under a pomegranate tree. He's chilling. pomegranate tree. He's chilling. pomegranate tree. He's chilling. He's eating strawberries and we've laid He's eating strawberries and we've laid He's eating strawberries and we've laid out by the pool relaxing. out by the pool relaxing. out by the pool relaxing. In other words, he's on the sidelines In other words, he's on the sidelines In other words, he's on the sidelines and instead of leading God's people to and instead of leading God's people to and instead of leading God's people to step out in faith, he is playing it step out in faith, he is playing it step out in faith, he is playing it safe. safe. safe. He's playing it safe. He's playing it safe. He's playing it safe. Saul and the other Israelites, they see Saul and the other Israelites, they see Saul and the other Israelites, they see how hopeless this situation is, and how hopeless this situation is, and how hopeless this situation is, and they're paralyzed by it. they're paralyzed by it. they're paralyzed by it. They see a problem. But what does They see a problem. But what does They see a problem. But what does Jonathan see? Jonathan see? Jonathan see? Verse four, within the passes, these Verse four, within the passes, these Verse four, within the passes, these these crossing routes by which Jonathan these crossing routes by which Jonathan these crossing routes by which Jonathan sought to go over to the Philistine sought to go over to the Philistine sought to go over to the Philistine garrison, there was a rocky crag. You garrison, there was a rocky crag. You garrison, there was a rocky crag. You say, "What is a crag?" A crag is a steep say, "What is a crag?" A crag is a steep say, "What is a crag?" A crag is a steep uh jagged cliff. You say, "Why don't uh jagged cliff. You say, "Why don't uh jagged cliff. You say, "Why don't they just translate it cliff?" I don't they just translate it cliff?" I don't they just translate it cliff?" I don't know. I I don't know. Some of y'all know. I I don't know. Some of y'all know. I I don't know. Some of y'all mountain climbers are like, "Because mountain climbers are like, "Because mountain climbers are like, "Because it's a crag." Nobody knows what a crag it's a crag." Nobody knows what a crag it's a crag." Nobody knows what a crag is. a rocky crack. It's a steep jagged is. a rocky crack. It's a steep jagged is. a rocky crack. It's a steep jagged cliff. So, there was a a a really steep cliff. So, there was a a a really steep cliff. So, there was a a a really steep cliff on the one side and a really steep cliff on the one side and a really steep cliff on the one side and a really steep rocky cliff on the other side. And the rocky cliff on the other side. And the rocky cliff on the other side. And the name of the one cliff was Moses and the name of the one cliff was Moses and the name of the one cliff was Moses and the name of the other cliff was Cena. And

name of the other cliff was Cena. And name of the other cliff was Cena. And the one cliff rose on the north and in the one cliff rose on the north and in the one cliff rose on the north and in front of Mcmash and the other on the front of Mcmash and the other on the front of Mcmash and the other on the south in front of Ga. Let me show you a south in front of Ga. Let me show you a south in front of Ga. Let me show you a quick picture of what's happening here. quick picture of what's happening here. quick picture of what's happening here. This is an actual uh picture of that This is an actual uh picture of that This is an actual uh picture of that scene right now uh in that in that uh scene right now uh in that in that uh scene right now uh in that in that uh that region. You can kind of get a that region. You can kind of get a that region. You can kind of get a picture of of of one cliff, a re a picture of of of one cliff, a re a picture of of of one cliff, a re a ravine and then a cliff on the other ravine and then a cliff on the other ravine and then a cliff on the other side. Let me show you this next picture side. Let me show you this next picture side. Let me show you this next picture which is more of a diagram based on which is more of a diagram based on which is more of a diagram based on what's happening in the story. So you what's happening in the story. So you what's happening in the story. So you get a picture of what's happening. You get a picture of what's happening. You get a picture of what's happening. You you see on one side Jonathan and his you see on one side Jonathan and his you see on one side Jonathan and his armor bearer and you see the journey armor bearer and you see the journey armor bearer and you see the journey that they have to walk through to get to that they have to walk through to get to that they have to walk through to get to the other side to this Philistine g uh the other side to this Philistine g uh the other side to this Philistine g uh garrison where they have the high ground garrison where they have the high ground garrison where they have the high ground high ground. Now I want you to keep that high ground. Now I want you to keep that high ground. Now I want you to keep that picture there for a minute. I want you picture there for a minute. I want you picture there for a minute. I want you to look at that picture because I want to look at that picture because I want to look at that picture because I want you to think about this. Have you ever you to think about this. Have you ever you to think about this. Have you ever felt this way? Here's what I mean. You felt this way? Here's what I mean. You felt this way? Here's what I mean. You ever felt like you were in over your ever felt like you were in over your ever felt like you were in over your head?

head? head? You you ever knew the right thing to do You you ever knew the right thing to do You you ever knew the right thing to do to have that conversation where you give to have that conversation where you give to have that conversation where you give forgiveness forgiveness forgiveness to share the gospel to make the decision to share the gospel to make the decision to share the gospel to make the decision to move or to change that career. You to move or to change that career. You to move or to change that career. You knew the right thing to do or there was knew the right thing to do or there was knew the right thing to do or there was something God was staring in your heart. something God was staring in your heart. something God was staring in your heart. But this is what the path looks like. But this is what the path looks like. But this is what the path looks like. You already know ahead of time how You already know ahead of time how You already know ahead of time how difficult and maybe impossible it's difficult and maybe impossible it's difficult and maybe impossible it's going to be. We've had those situations going to be. We've had those situations going to be. We've had those situations before. This is the situation the people before. This is the situation the people before. This is the situation the people of God are facing. The Philistines have of God are facing. The Philistines have of God are facing. The Philistines have a stronger army, a stronger position. a stronger army, a stronger position. a stronger army, a stronger position. They have stronger weapons. And on top They have stronger weapons. And on top They have stronger weapons. And on top of that, the path forward looks of that, the path forward looks of that, the path forward looks absolutely impossible. Listen to me. absolutely impossible. Listen to me. absolutely impossible. Listen to me. Jonathan sees those challenges just like Jonathan sees those challenges just like Jonathan sees those challenges just like everybody else. But here's what everybody else. But here's what everybody else. But here's what separates Jonathan. That's not all he separates Jonathan. That's not all he separates Jonathan. That's not all he sees. sees. sees. That's not all he sees. That's not all he sees. That's not all he sees. Look at verse six. Look at verse six. Look at verse six. Jonathan said to the young man who Jonathan said to the young man who Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, "Let us go up over carried his armor, "Let us go up over carried his armor, "Let us go up over the garrison to these uncircumcised."

the garrison to these uncircumcised." the garrison to these uncircumcised." Now, circumcision was the sign of the Now, circumcision was the sign of the Now, circumcision was the sign of the covenant. This is the same language, covenant. This is the same language, covenant. This is the same language, fast forward, that you'll see King David fast forward, that you'll see King David fast forward, that you'll see King David use when he faces Goliath. And what use when he faces Goliath. And what use when he faces Goliath. And what Jonathan is saying, what David later Jonathan is saying, what David later Jonathan is saying, what David later would say is, "Wait a minute. Wait a would say is, "Wait a minute. Wait a would say is, "Wait a minute. Wait a minute. minute. minute. I I know they have a stronger army. I I I know they have a stronger army. I I I know they have a stronger army. I know they have a a stronger position. I know they have a a stronger position. I know they have a a stronger position. I know they have stronger weapons. I know know they have stronger weapons. I know know they have stronger weapons. I know the path forward looks treacherous and the path forward looks treacherous and the path forward looks treacherous and difficult and impossible. But Jonathan difficult and impossible. But Jonathan difficult and impossible. But Jonathan says, "Wait a minute. We have an asset says, "Wait a minute. We have an asset says, "Wait a minute. We have an asset that they don't have. They got a lot of stuff, but we have a They got a lot of stuff, but we have a covenant relationship with Almighty covenant relationship with Almighty covenant relationship with Almighty God." God." God." >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. We actually have a relationship with and We actually have a relationship with and We actually have a relationship with and access to the one who spoke everything access to the one who spoke everything access to the one who spoke everything into existence. We have a relationship into existence. We have a relationship into existence. We have a relationship with the one who split red seas. We have with the one who split red seas. We have with the one who split red seas. We have a relationship with the one who brought a relationship with the one who brought a relationship with the one who brought down the walls of Jericho just because a down the walls of Jericho just because a down the walls of Jericho just because a jazz band started playing. Like we jazz band started playing. Like we jazz band started playing. Like we actually know the true and living God.

actually know the true and living God. actually know the true and living God. And they don't. And so look at what happens next. And so look at what happens next. Listen. This is what he says. And this Listen. This is what he says. And this Listen. This is what he says. And this is what Jonathan sees. He says, "It may is what Jonathan sees. He says, "It may is what Jonathan sees. He says, "It may be that the Lord will work for us." be that the Lord will work for us." be that the Lord will work for us." Listen, for nothing can hinder the Lord Listen, for nothing can hinder the Lord Listen, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few. from saving by many or by few. from saving by many or by few. And his armor bearer said to him, "Do And his armor bearer said to him, "Do And his armor bearer said to him, "Do all that is in your heart. Do as you all that is in your heart. Do as you all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you in heart and wish. Behold, I am with you in heart and wish. Behold, I am with you in heart and soul." And I wish I had more time, but soul." And I wish I had more time, but soul." And I wish I had more time, but just a quick side note. This is one of just a quick side note. This is one of just a quick side note. This is one of the reasons you need some strong the reasons you need some strong the reasons you need some strong Christian friendships Christian friendships Christian friendships because you need some people around you. because you need some people around you. because you need some people around you. You need some folks around you who can You need some folks around you who can You need some folks around you who can encourage you and support you to take encourage you and support you to take encourage you and support you to take the steps of faith that God is the steps of faith that God is the steps of faith that God is encouraging you to take. encouraging you to take. encouraging you to take. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Jonathan says, "Nothing can hinder the >> Jonathan says, "Nothing can hinder the >> Jonathan says, "Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.

Lord from saving by many or by few. Lord from saving by many or by few. This is the core confession of the This is the core confession of the This is the core confession of the story. The entire story revolves around story. The entire story revolves around story. The entire story revolves around this confession. It's the core this confession. It's the core this confession. It's the core conviction that enables Jonathan to see conviction that enables Jonathan to see conviction that enables Jonathan to see what nobody else can see. what nobody else can see. what nobody else can see. Everybody else sees a problem. Everybody Everybody else sees a problem. Everybody Everybody else sees a problem. Everybody else sees the size of the opposing army. else sees the size of the opposing army. else sees the size of the opposing army. Everybody else sees how difficult the Everybody else sees how difficult the Everybody else sees how difficult the journey will be. But Jonathan sees journey will be. But Jonathan sees journey will be. But Jonathan sees through the eyes of faith. And what does through the eyes of faith. And what does through the eyes of faith. And what does he see? He sees that nothing, he see? He sees that nothing, he see? He sees that nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing, not armies, not governments, not not armies, not governments, not not armies, not governments, not presidents, kings or dictators, not presidents, kings or dictators, not presidents, kings or dictators, not persecution, not opposition, not limited persecution, not opposition, not limited persecution, not opposition, not limited resources, not a difficult diagnosis, resources, not a difficult diagnosis, resources, not a difficult diagnosis, not a broken marriage, not a wayward not a broken marriage, not a wayward not a broken marriage, not a wayward child, not your inadequacy, not your child, not your inadequacy, not your child, not your inadequacy, not your past, not Satan, not demons, not even past, not Satan, not demons, not even past, not Satan, not demons, not even death. Nothing can hinder God. Now death. Nothing can hinder God. Now death. Nothing can hinder God. Now listen, listen, listen, >> any one of those things could hinder us, >> any one of those things could hinder us, >> any one of those things could hinder us, >> but none of those things can hinder the >> but none of those things can hinder the >> but none of those things can hinder the Lord.

Lord. Lord. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving >> Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving >> Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by a few. And Jonathan is not by many or by a few. And Jonathan is not by many or by a few. And Jonathan is not saying that there are no obstacles. He's saying that there are no obstacles. He's saying that there are no obstacles. He's saying there are no obstacles that are saying there are no obstacles that are saying there are no obstacles that are bigger than God. >> And listen to me. This is all this is >> And listen to me. This is all this is the confession of faith for God's people the confession of faith for God's people the confession of faith for God's people throughout history. The prophet throughout history. The prophet throughout history. The prophet Zechariah knew this when the Lord said Zechariah knew this when the Lord said Zechariah knew this when the Lord said to Zerubal Ze Zechariah 4:6, "Not by to Zerubal Ze Zechariah 4:6, "Not by to Zerubal Ze Zechariah 4:6, "Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit, might nor by power, but by my spirit, might nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord." says the Lord." says the Lord." >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Jeremiah knew this. Jeremiah 32:17. >> Jeremiah knew this. Jeremiah 32:17. >> Jeremiah knew this. Jeremiah 32:17. Ah Lord God, it is you who have made the Ah Lord God, it is you who have made the Ah Lord God, it is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great heavens and the earth by your great heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm. power and by your outstretched arm. power and by your outstretched arm. Nothing, God is too hard for you. Nothing, God is too hard for you. Nothing, God is too hard for you. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Nothing is too hard for you. This was >> Nothing is too hard for you. This was >> Nothing is too hard for you. This was his world view. He saw the world through his world view. He saw the world through his world view. He saw the world through the lens of faith.

the lens of faith. the lens of faith. That's why I love that song more than That's why I love that song more than That's why I love that song more than Abel where Chan Lamore just starts going Abel where Chan Lamore just starts going Abel where Chan Lamore just starts going off and he has this one line that takes off and he has this one line that takes off and he has this one line that takes me out every time. He says, "He can me out every time. He says, "He can me out every time. He says, "He can still do miracles with nothing. All it still do miracles with nothing. All it still do miracles with nothing. All it takes is nothing. takes is nothing. takes is nothing. >> All it takes for God to do what God >> All it takes for God to do what God >> All it takes for God to do what God wants to do, nothing. wants to do, nothing. wants to do, nothing. >> He created everything out of nothing. >> He created everything out of nothing. >> He created everything out of nothing. >> Why do we think our situation or our >> Why do we think our situation or our >> Why do we think our situation or our limitations can hinder God from doing limitations can hinder God from doing limitations can hinder God from doing what he wants to do? Listen to me. Your what he wants to do? Listen to me. Your what he wants to do? Listen to me. Your biggest obstacle isn't the size of your biggest obstacle isn't the size of your biggest obstacle isn't the size of your problem. Your biggest obstacle is the problem. Your biggest obstacle is the problem. Your biggest obstacle is the size of your view of God. size of your view of God. size of your view of God. >> Amen. So hear me. Where other people see So hear me. Where other people see obstacles, faith sees opportunities for obstacles, faith sees opportunities for obstacles, faith sees opportunities for God to put his power, his wisdom, his God to put his power, his wisdom, his God to put his power, his wisdom, his glory on display. Maybe when your back glory on display. Maybe when your back glory on display. Maybe when your back is against the wall, that's the most fun is against the wall, that's the most fun is against the wall, that's the most fun place to be. It's not really until God place to be. It's not really until God place to be. It's not really until God decides to show up and remind you that decides to show up and remind you that decides to show up and remind you that he is the one who has all power, all he is the one who has all power, all he is the one who has all power, all authority, and all wisdom.

authority, and all wisdom. authority, and all wisdom. That's what faith sees. That's what faith sees. That's what faith sees. So, let's look at what faith does. We So, let's look at what faith does. We So, let's look at what faith does. We see that in in verses 8 to 14. What see that in in verses 8 to 14. What see that in in verses 8 to 14. What faith does, look at verse 8. Then faith does, look at verse 8. Then faith does, look at verse 8. Then Jonathan said, "All right, here's the Jonathan said, "All right, here's the Jonathan said, "All right, here's the plan. plan. plan. Behold, Behold, Behold, we're going to cross over to the men, we're going to cross over to the men, we're going to cross over to the men, and we'll show ourselves to them. And if and we'll show ourselves to them. And if and we'll show ourselves to them. And if they say to us, "Wait until we come to they say to us, "Wait until we come to they say to us, "Wait until we come to you," then we will stand in our place, you," then we will stand in our place, you," then we will stand in our place, and we will not go up to them. But if and we will not go up to them. But if and we will not go up to them. But if they say, "Come up to us," then we will they say, "Come up to us," then we will they say, "Come up to us," then we will go up, for the Lord has given them into go up, for the Lord has given them into go up, for the Lord has given them into our hand, and this shall be the sign to our hand, and this shall be the sign to our hand, and this shall be the sign to us. What's happening here? Let me tell us. What's happening here? Let me tell us. What's happening here? Let me tell you what's not happening. Jonathan is you what's not happening. Jonathan is you what's not happening. Jonathan is not teaching us to make up random s not teaching us to make up random s not teaching us to make up random s signs every time we need guidance from signs every time we need guidance from signs every time we need guidance from God. That is not how we're supposed to That is not how we're supposed to interpret or apply this verse.

interpret or apply this verse. interpret or apply this verse. That formation in the clouds That formation in the clouds That formation in the clouds probably not a message to you. probably not a message to you. probably not a message to you. It's probably just the wind at that It's probably just the wind at that It's probably just the wind at that altitude. altitude. altitude. No, Jonathan's plan is actually very No, Jonathan's plan is actually very No, Jonathan's plan is actually very practical. It's very practical. Just practical. It's very practical. Just practical. It's very practical. Just think about it. If the soldiers invited think about it. If the soldiers invited think about it. If the soldiers invited them up, then he would know that God was them up, then he would know that God was them up, then he would know that God was giving them access to that Philistine giving them access to that Philistine giving them access to that Philistine outpost. So, you submit the application and if So, you submit the application and if they invite you for an interview, maybe they invite you for an interview, maybe they invite you for an interview, maybe you'll get a job. You ask her to marry you and if she says You ask her to marry you and if she says yes, maybe she does love you. Jonathan is basically saying, "We're Jonathan is basically saying, "We're going to take a step of faith and trust going to take a step of faith and trust going to take a step of faith and trust God to open a door." God to open a door." God to open a door." And listen to me, that's what faith And listen to me, that's what faith And listen to me, that's what faith does. does. does. That's what faith does. Faith trusts God That's what faith does. Faith trusts God That's what faith does. Faith trusts God enough to take the next clear step.

And that's what Jonathan does. Look at And that's what Jonathan does. Look at verse 11. verse 11. verse 11. Him and his ride or die armor bearer. Him and his ride or die armor bearer. Him and his ride or die armor bearer. Verse 11. So both of them showed Verse 11. So both of them showed Verse 11. So both of them showed themselves to the garrison of the themselves to the garrison of the themselves to the garrison of the Philistines. And the Philistines said, Philistines. And the Philistines said, Philistines. And the Philistines said, "Look, Hebrews are coming out of the "Look, Hebrews are coming out of the "Look, Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they have hidden themselves. holes where they have hidden themselves. holes where they have hidden themselves. And the men of the garrison hailed or And the men of the garrison hailed or And the men of the garrison hailed or they mocked Jonathan in his armor bearer they mocked Jonathan in his armor bearer they mocked Jonathan in his armor bearer and said, "Come up to us and we will and said, "Come up to us and we will and said, "Come up to us and we will show you a thing." I don't even know show you a thing." I don't even know show you a thing." I don't even know what that means. what that means. what that means. And Jonathan said to his armor bearer, And Jonathan said to his armor bearer, And Jonathan said to his armor bearer, "Come up after me, for the Lord has "Come up after me, for the Lord has "Come up after me, for the Lord has given them into the hand of Israel." And given them into the hand of Israel." And given them into the hand of Israel." And then Jonathan climbed up on his hands then Jonathan climbed up on his hands then Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet. And you saw why he had to use and feet. And you saw why he had to use and feet. And you saw why he had to use his hand and feet, cuz he's rock his hand and feet, cuz he's rock his hand and feet, cuz he's rock climbing. And his armor bearer after climbing. And his armor bearer after climbing. And his armor bearer after him, and they fell before Jonathan, and him, and they fell before Jonathan, and him, and they fell before Jonathan, and his armor bearer killed them after him. his armor bearer killed them after him. his armor bearer killed them after him. And that first strike which Jonathan and And that first strike which Jonathan and And that first strike which Jonathan and his armor bearer made killed about 20 his armor bearer made killed about 20 his armor bearer made killed about 20 men within as it as it were half a men within as it as it were half a men within as it as it were half a furrow's length in an acre of land. Jonathan Jonathan took a step of faith. And you might say took a step of faith. And you might say took a step of faith. And you might say at this point, "All right, Mike. Well, at this point, "All right, Mike. Well, at this point, "All right, Mike. Well, that's great. Seems like it all worked that's great. Seems like it all worked that's great. Seems like it all worked out for him. But here's my question.

out for him. But here's my question. out for him. But here's my question. How did Jonathan know for sure that How did Jonathan know for sure that How did Jonathan know for sure that that's what God was leading him to do? that's what God was leading him to do? that's what God was leading him to do? Because isn't that what we want to know? Because isn't that what we want to know? Because isn't that what we want to know? Like, how do I know this is what God is Like, how do I know this is what God is Like, how do I know this is what God is leading me to do? How did Jonathan know? leading me to do? How did Jonathan know? leading me to do? How did Jonathan know? Well, here's the scary yet liberating Well, here's the scary yet liberating Well, here's the scary yet liberating thing. He didn't know for sure. thing. He didn't know for sure. thing. He didn't know for sure. [crying] [crying] [crying] He didn't know for sure. That's why he He didn't know for sure. That's why he He didn't know for sure. That's why he says, remember what he says, it may be says, remember what he says, it may be says, remember what he says, it may be that the Lord will work for us. that the Lord will work for us. that the Lord will work for us. So, he didn't know for sure, but he had So, he didn't know for sure, but he had So, he didn't know for sure, but he had a few clues. Number one, he had God's a few clues. Number one, he had God's a few clues. Number one, he had God's word. word. word. You might remember this from when God You might remember this from when God You might remember this from when God called uh Saul, chose Saul to be king called uh Saul, chose Saul to be king called uh Saul, chose Saul to be king back in chapter 8. What did he say about back in chapter 8. What did he say about back in chapter 8. What did he say about Saul? He said, "He will save my people Saul? He said, "He will save my people Saul? He said, "He will save my people from the hands of the Philistines." from the hands of the Philistines." from the hands of the Philistines." So Jonathan So Jonathan So Jonathan had God's word. He knew that God's had God's word. He knew that God's had God's word. He knew that God's desire was to rescue them from the hand desire was to rescue them from the hand desire was to rescue them from the hand of the Philistines. He didn't know of the Philistines. He didn't know of the Philistines. He didn't know exactly how was going to how God was exactly how was going to how God was exactly how was going to how God was going to do it. He didn't know exactly going to do it. He didn't know exactly going to do it. He didn't know exactly when God was going to do it. He just when God was going to do it. He just when God was going to do it. He just knew God's desire was to rescue them knew God's desire was to rescue them knew God's desire was to rescue them from the hand of the Philistines. He had from the hand of the Philistines. He had from the hand of the Philistines. He had God's word. Number two, he had a clear God's word. Number two, he had a clear God's word. Number two, he had a clear opportunity to apply God's word. A clear opportunity to apply God's word. A clear opportunity to apply God's word. A clear opportunity.

opportunity. opportunity. It was difficult and maybe even It was difficult and maybe even It was difficult and maybe even unlikely, but the Philistine outpost was unlikely, but the Philistine outpost was unlikely, but the Philistine outpost was right there across the ridge. right there across the ridge. right there across the ridge. Follow me. He does not know Follow me. He does not know Follow me. He does not know how in the world God is going to give how in the world God is going to give how in the world God is going to give them victory over this entire massive them victory over this entire massive them victory over this entire massive army. What he does know army. What he does know army. What he does know is that there's a small group of is that there's a small group of is that there's a small group of Philistines right across the ridge. and Philistines right across the ridge. and Philistines right across the ridge. and with a little bit of grit and effort, I with a little bit of grit and effort, I with a little bit of grit and effort, I can get to them. He had a clear can get to them. He had a clear can get to them. He had a clear opportunity. Number three, he had opportunity. Number three, he had opportunity. Number three, he had confidence in God's unlimited power and confidence in God's unlimited power and confidence in God's unlimited power and he knew that it could bring God glory. he knew that it could bring God glory. he knew that it could bring God glory. He knew God's word. He had a clear He knew God's word. He had a clear He knew God's word. He had a clear opportunity. He knew God's unlimited opportunity. He knew God's unlimited opportunity. He knew God's unlimited power and he knew, man, this could be power and he knew, man, this could be power and he knew, man, this could be something that could bring God glory. something that could bring God glory. something that could bring God glory. And listen, all of that was enough for And listen, all of that was enough for And listen, all of that was enough for him to say, him to say, him to say, it may be that the Lord will work for it may be that the Lord will work for it may be that the Lord will work for us.

And some of us refuse to move on a it And some of us refuse to move on a it may be. But sometimes faith is just a strong But sometimes faith is just a strong maybe. Listen to me. Listen to me. Listen to me. Listen to me. Some of us are demanding certainty from Some of us are demanding certainty from Some of us are demanding certainty from God before we're willing to take the God before we're willing to take the God before we're willing to take the next clear step. We're demanding that God give us the We're demanding that God give us the whole picture, that God give us every whole picture, that God give us every whole picture, that God give us every detail. We're demanding that God detail. We're demanding that God detail. We're demanding that God guarantee that it's going to work out guarantee that it's going to work out guarantee that it's going to work out the way we want it to or that we'll the way we want it to or that we'll the way we want it to or that we'll still be able to keep our comfort or still be able to keep our comfort or still be able to keep our comfort or we'll still be able to keep our position we'll still be able to keep our position we'll still be able to keep our position or we'll still be able to keep the life or we'll still be able to keep the life or we'll still be able to keep the life that we dreamed up for ourselves. We're that we dreamed up for ourselves. We're that we dreamed up for ourselves. We're demanding certainty from God before demanding certainty from God before demanding certainty from God before we're willing to actually trust him we're willing to actually trust him we're willing to actually trust him enough to take the next clear step in enough to take the next clear step in enough to take the next clear step in front of us. And listen to me, you will front of us. And listen to me, you will front of us. And listen to me, you will never attempt anything for God's glory never attempt anything for God's glory never attempt anything for God's glory if you have to have certainty first. if you have to have certainty first. if you have to have certainty first. Sometimes you are not going to have Sometimes you are not going to have Sometimes you are not going to have certainty. Sometimes you are not going certainty. Sometimes you are not going certainty. Sometimes you are not going to be 100% sure. Abraham didn't have to be 100% sure. Abraham didn't have to be 100% sure. Abraham didn't have certainty.

certainty. certainty. God said, "Leave everything you know and God said, "Leave everything you know and God said, "Leave everything you know and go to the land you remember that I will go to the land you remember that I will go to the land you remember that I will show you." I'd have been like, "No, dog. show you." I'd have been like, "No, dog. show you." I'd have been like, "No, dog. What? Who does that?" Moses didn't have certainty. Moses didn't have certainty. He says, "God, but what if the people He says, "God, but what if the people He says, "God, but what if the people don't listen to me?" God didn't even don't listen to me?" God didn't even don't listen to me?" God didn't even answer the man's question. answer the man's question. answer the man's question. God just says, "I will be with you." God just says, "I will be with you." God just says, "I will be with you." It's not what I asked, God. It's not what I asked, God. It's not what I asked, God. Esther did not have certainty. Esther did not have certainty. Esther did not have certainty. But Mori said to her, "Who knows whether But Mori said to her, "Who knows whether But Mori said to her, "Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for you have not come to the kingdom for you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Maybe God chose such a time as this? Maybe God chose such a time as this? Maybe God chose you." you." you." Peter did not have certainty. Remember Peter did not have certainty. Remember Peter did not have certainty. Remember when they were in the boat and they see when they were in the boat and they see when they were in the boat and they see a ghost? It's Jesus, but they don't a ghost? It's Jesus, but they don't a ghost? It's Jesus, but they don't recognize him. And Peter says to him, recognize him. And Peter says to him, recognize him. And Peter says to him, "Lord, if it is you, "Lord, if it is you, "Lord, if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water." tell me to come to you on the water." tell me to come to you on the water." Listen, the question is, not are you Listen, the question is, not are you Listen, the question is, not are you 100% sure. The question is, will you 100% sure. The question is, will you 100% sure. The question is, will you trust God enough to take the next clear trust God enough to take the next clear trust God enough to take the next clear step?

step? step? Because think about it for a minute. Because think about it for a minute. Because think about it for a minute. Just put yourself in a story. When did Just put yourself in a story. When did Just put yourself in a story. When did Jonathan know for sure it was God? Jonathan know for sure it was God? Jonathan know for sure it was God? When the 20th man died? Think about how many steps of faith he Think about how many steps of faith he had to take literally had to take literally had to take literally before he knew for sure it was God. before he knew for sure it was God. before he knew for sure it was God. Going down one cliff, walking across the ridge, walking across the ridge, looking up the other cliff, climbing climbing up up up that cliff to Mcmash, getting to the top that cliff to Mcmash, getting to the top that cliff to Mcmash, getting to the top of that cliff, physically exhausted, of that cliff, physically exhausted, of that cliff, physically exhausted, standing up, seeing a gang of soldiers, standing up, seeing a gang of soldiers, standing up, seeing a gang of soldiers, thinking thinking thinking Man, maybe I should have been short Man, maybe I should have been short Man, maybe I should have been short first. first. first. And then one man goes down, then 10, and And then one man goes down, then 10, and And then one man goes down, then 10, and then 15. And it wasn't until all of then 15. And it wasn't until all of then 15. And it wasn't until all of those soldiers are laid out and he had those soldiers are laid out and he had those soldiers are laid out and he had overtaken the garrison that he knew for overtaken the garrison that he knew for overtaken the garrison that he knew for sure that this is what God had called sure that this is what God had called sure that this is what God had called him to do. But he was willing to move on him to do. But he was willing to move on him to do. But he was willing to move on a maybe. not an uninformed a maybe. not an uninformed a maybe. not an uninformed maybe, maybe, maybe, but a solid maybe because he had God's but a solid maybe because he had God's but a solid maybe because he had God's word and a clear opportunity and he knew word and a clear opportunity and he knew word and a clear opportunity and he knew God's power. Faith is not certainty in a God's power. Faith is not certainty in a God's power. Faith is not certainty in a particular outcome. Faith is confidence particular outcome. Faith is confidence particular outcome. Faith is confidence in a God who controls all the outcomes.

in a God who controls all the outcomes. in a God who controls all the outcomes. So what faith sees, what does it see? It So what faith sees, what does it see? It So what faith sees, what does it see? It sees a God who is bigger than our sees a God who is bigger than our sees a God who is bigger than our limitations or our circumstances. What limitations or our circumstances. What limitations or our circumstances. What does faith do? It doesn't demand does faith do? It doesn't demand does faith do? It doesn't demand certainty first. It trusts God enough to certainty first. It trusts God enough to certainty first. It trusts God enough to take the next clear step. And then what take the next clear step. And then what take the next clear step. And then what does faith experience? does faith experience? does faith experience? Well, we see it here in verse 15. Well, we see it here in verse 15. Well, we see it here in verse 15. Jonathan trusts God. He overtakes that Jonathan trusts God. He overtakes that Jonathan trusts God. He overtakes that small Philistine garrison. And then and small Philistine garrison. And then and small Philistine garrison. And then and then then then there was a panic in the camp, there was a panic in the camp, there was a panic in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. in the field, and among all the people. in the field, and among all the people. And the garrison and even the raiders And the garrison and even the raiders And the garrison and even the raiders trembled. The earth quaked and it became trembled. The earth quaked and it became trembled. The earth quaked and it became a very great panic throughout the whole a very great panic throughout the whole a very great panic throughout the whole Philistine army. And it's funny because Philistine army. And it's funny because Philistine army. And it's funny because Saul's army looks across the ravine and Saul's army looks across the ravine and Saul's army looks across the ravine and they're so confused until they realize they're so confused until they realize they're so confused until they realize Jonathan and his armor bearer are gone. Jonathan and his armor bearer are gone. Jonathan and his armor bearer are gone. They're like, I don't know what's They're like, I don't know what's They're like, I don't know what's happening, but it looks like we're happening, but it looks like we're happening, but it looks like we're winning and we didn't really do winning and we didn't really do winning and we didn't really do anything, but we should probably go anything, but we should probably go anything, but we should probably go ahead and capitalize on this now. And so ahead and capitalize on this now. And so ahead and capitalize on this now. And so verse 20, then Saul and all the people verse 20, then Saul and all the people verse 20, then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and went into who were with him rallied and went into who were with him rallied and went into the battle. And behold, every the battle. And behold, every the battle. And behold, every Philistine's sword was against his Philistine's sword was against his Philistine's sword was against his fellow, and there was very great fellow, and there was very great fellow, and there was very great confusion. Now the Hebrews who had been confusion. Now the Hebrews who had been confusion. Now the Hebrews who had been with the Philistines before that time, with the Philistines before that time, with the Philistines before that time, who had gone up with them into the camp, who had gone up with them into the camp, who had gone up with them into the camp, even they also turned to be with the even they also turned to be with the even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Israelites who were with Saul and Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. Likewise, when all the men of Jonathan. Likewise, when all the men of Jonathan. Likewise, when all the men of Israel who had hidden themselves in the Israel who had hidden themselves in the Israel who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the hill country of Ephraim heard that the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they too Philistines were fleeing, they too Philistines were fleeing, they too followed hard after them in the battle.

followed hard after them in the battle. followed hard after them in the battle. So the Lord saved Israel that day and So the Lord saved Israel that day and So the Lord saved Israel that day and the battle passed beyond Beth Haven. the battle passed beyond Beth Haven. the battle passed beyond Beth Haven. Listen, Listen, Listen, you have no idea the domino effect of you have no idea the domino effect of you have no idea the domino effect of your faith. You have no idea how your one step of You have no idea how your one step of faith faith faith could end up inspiring and invigorating could end up inspiring and invigorating could end up inspiring and invigorating the faith of other people around you. the faith of other people around you. the faith of other people around you. That's what happened in Jonathan's case. That's what happened in Jonathan's case. That's what happened in Jonathan's case. Jonathan took a step, small step of Jonathan took a step, small step of Jonathan took a step, small step of faith, not knowing the outcome or how faith, not knowing the outcome or how faith, not knowing the outcome or how God was going to do it all. And Jonathan God was going to do it all. And Jonathan God was going to do it all. And Jonathan got to experience the wonder and joy of got to experience the wonder and joy of got to experience the wonder and joy of watching God do what only God could do. watching God do what only God could do. watching God do what only God could do. Just imagine Jonathan in that scene. Just imagine Jonathan in that scene. Just imagine Jonathan in that scene. Jonathan is still gassed. He is Jonathan is still gassed. He is Jonathan is still gassed. He is exhausted. He climbed a mountain and exhausted. He climbed a mountain and exhausted. He climbed a mountain and then took out a whole military outpost. then took out a whole military outpost. then took out a whole military outpost. He is fried. He's probably laying down He is fried. He's probably laying down He is fried. He's probably laying down like, "Man, God, thank you for getting like, "Man, God, thank you for getting like, "Man, God, thank you for getting me through this. [snorts] me through this. [snorts] me through this. [snorts] Now, how in the world are you going to Now, how in the world are you going to Now, how in the world are you going to handle the rest of these soldiers?" And handle the rest of these soldiers?" And handle the rest of these soldiers?" And all of a sudden, there's a rustling in all of a sudden, there's a rustling in all of a sudden, there's a rustling in the camp.

the camp. the camp. And he just sees the Philistines turning And he just sees the Philistines turning And he just sees the Philistines turning on each other and killing each other. Imagine what happens in that moment. It Imagine what happens in that moment. It doesn't point to his ingenuity. It doesn't point to his ingenuity. It doesn't point to his ingenuity. It doesn't point to his military prowess in doesn't point to his military prowess in doesn't point to his military prowess in that moment. The only thing he's that moment. The only thing he's that moment. The only thing he's experiencing, the only thing he can experiencing, the only thing he can experiencing, the only thing he can think about is the wonder and power and think about is the wonder and power and think about is the wonder and power and glory of God who used one little small glory of God who used one little small glory of God who used one little small step of faith to do more than he could step of faith to do more than he could step of faith to do more than he could possibly ask for or imagine. Listen to possibly ask for or imagine. Listen to possibly ask for or imagine. Listen to me. Listen. You will never experience me. Listen. You will never experience me. Listen. You will never experience the life God wants for you if you keep the life God wants for you if you keep the life God wants for you if you keep playing it safe. playing it safe. playing it safe. If you keep demanding certainty If you keep demanding certainty If you keep demanding certainty before you're willing willing to take before you're willing willing to take before you're willing willing to take the next clear step of faith. Faith sees a God who's bigger than our Faith sees a God who's bigger than our circumstances circumstances circumstances and our limitations. And it trusts God and our limitations. And it trusts God and our limitations. And it trusts God enough to take the next clear step of enough to take the next clear step of enough to take the next clear step of faith even in the midst of uncertainty.

faith even in the midst of uncertainty. faith even in the midst of uncertainty. And it experiences the joy of watching And it experiences the joy of watching And it experiences the joy of watching God accomplish what only he can God accomplish what only he can God accomplish what only he can accomplish. accomplish. accomplish. There are certain things that you can There are certain things that you can There are certain things that you can only experience on the other side of a only experience on the other side of a only experience on the other side of a step of faith. There are things you can never fully There are things you can never fully know, like really personally, know, like really personally, know, like really personally, experientially know about God except on experientially know about God except on experientially know about God except on the other side of a step of faith. And I love I love how Saul and the And I love I love how Saul and the Israelites are afraid and complacent Israelites are afraid and complacent Israelites are afraid and complacent until they realize that Jonathan had until they realize that Jonathan had until they realize that Jonathan had already gone ahead of them and secured already gone ahead of them and secured already gone ahead of them and secured the victory. That that's what increased their faith That that's what increased their faith was Jonathan had already gone and the was Jonathan had already gone and the was Jonathan had already gone and the victory was secured when they hadn't victory was secured when they hadn't victory was secured when they hadn't even done anything. And listen, if that even done anything. And listen, if that even done anything. And listen, if that was the effect of the people of God, the was the effect of the people of God, the was the effect of the people of God, the Israelites watching Jonathan, then how Israelites watching Jonathan, then how Israelites watching Jonathan, then how much more should our faith rise when we much more should our faith rise when we much more should our faith rise when we look at the person who's even greater look at the person who's even greater look at the person who's even greater than Jonathan, the one who is the than Jonathan, the one who is the than Jonathan, the one who is the ultimate savior, the the the the ultimate savior, the the the the ultimate savior, the the the the absolute proof that nothing can hinder absolute proof that nothing can hinder absolute proof that nothing can hinder God from saving by many or by few. We God from saving by many or by few. We God from saving by many or by few. We actually follow Jesus, the risen savior.

Jonathan saw an opportunity Jonathan saw an opportunity and Jesus for the joy set before him. and Jesus for the joy set before him. and Jesus for the joy set before him. He saw He saw He saw a multitude of people from every nation, a multitude of people from every nation, a multitude of people from every nation, tribe, and tongue who would enjoy tribe, and tongue who would enjoy tribe, and tongue who would enjoy fellowship with God and enjoy worshiping fellowship with God and enjoy worshiping fellowship with God and enjoy worshiping God. sinners who deserve nothing good God. sinners who deserve nothing good God. sinners who deserve nothing good for God except Jesus saw this redeemed group of people this redeemed group of people and it moved him to voluntarily offer and it moved him to voluntarily offer and it moved him to voluntarily offer his life, the son of God to come in his life, the son of God to come in his life, the son of God to come in person person person to live a perfectly righteous life that to live a perfectly righteous life that to live a perfectly righteous life that you and I could not ever live in our own you and I could not ever live in our own you and I could not ever live in our own strength. where Jonathan went into enemy territory where Jonathan went into enemy territory while everybody else stood back. Jesus while everybody else stood back. Jesus while everybody else stood back. Jesus did the exact same thing except he did did the exact same thing except he did did the exact same thing except he did not climb a cliff. He carried a cross up not climb a cliff. He carried a cross up not climb a cliff. He carried a cross up a hill called Calvary and he gave his a hill called Calvary and he gave his a hill called Calvary and he gave his life. He died on the cross as a life. He died on the cross as a life. He died on the cross as a sacrifice for your sin and for my sin so sacrifice for your sin and for my sin so sacrifice for your sin and for my sin so that we could be forgiven. And then he that we could be forgiven. And then he that we could be forgiven. And then he rose from the grave, not defeating a rose from the grave, not defeating a rose from the grave, not defeating a human army, but defeating our greatest human army, but defeating our greatest human army, but defeating our greatest problem, our greatest enemy, problem, our greatest enemy, problem, our greatest enemy, sin, and the guilt that we have because sin, and the guilt that we have because sin, and the guilt that we have because of our sin and the power of Satan and of our sin and the power of Satan and of our sin and the power of Satan and death over our lives. Jesus did that for death over our lives. Jesus did that for death over our lives. Jesus did that for us. He went ahead of us. He secured the us. He went ahead of us. He secured the us. He went ahead of us. He secured the victory for us. He did for us what we victory for us. He did for us what we victory for us. He did for us what we would not do, could not do for would not do, could not do for would not do, could not do for ourselves. And the good news is that you

ourselves. And the good news is that you ourselves. And the good news is that you and I are not only forgiven as we put and I are not only forgiven as we put and I are not only forgiven as we put our trust in Jesus, but that sacrifice, our trust in Jesus, but that sacrifice, our trust in Jesus, but that sacrifice, that gift, that work of Jesus now that gift, that work of Jesus now that gift, that work of Jesus now becomes the very foundation of our faith becomes the very foundation of our faith becomes the very foundation of our faith in everyday life. Because if Jesus in everyday life. Because if Jesus in everyday life. Because if Jesus accomplished that for us, if Jesus took accomplished that for us, if Jesus took accomplished that for us, if Jesus took care of our greatest problem and our care of our greatest problem and our care of our greatest problem and our greatest enemy, then how much more greatest enemy, then how much more greatest enemy, then how much more should we trust Jesus with the problems should we trust Jesus with the problems should we trust Jesus with the problems that we face, with the challenges that that we face, with the challenges that that we face, with the challenges that we come across, with those things that we come across, with those things that we come across, with those things that he calls us to do, those steps of faith he calls us to do, those steps of faith he calls us to do, those steps of faith that he calls us to take even in the that he calls us to take even in the that he calls us to take even in the midst of uncertainty, even in the midst midst of uncertainty, even in the midst midst of uncertainty, even in the midst of our own inadequacies. If the gospel of our own inadequacies. If the gospel of our own inadequacies. If the gospel is true and Jesus did that, is true and Jesus did that, is true and Jesus did that, then I can trust Jesus to do this. >> And so listen to me. >> And so listen to me. Stop playing it safe. Stop playing it safe. Stop playing it safe. You don't have to play it safe when you You don't have to play it safe when you You don't have to play it safe when you know God.

So think about this personally because So think about this personally because there are there are some of you you are there are there are some of you you are there are there are some of you you are playing it safe. You know God has been stirring in your You know God has been stirring in your heart. You you felt conviction of your heart. You you felt conviction of your heart. You you felt conviction of your sin. You know you don't want to live sin. You know you don't want to live sin. You know you don't want to live that life anymore. And maybe you haven't that life anymore. And maybe you haven't that life anymore. And maybe you haven't made a decision to trust in Jesus yet. made a decision to trust in Jesus yet. made a decision to trust in Jesus yet. Or maybe you have made a decision to Or maybe you have made a decision to Or maybe you have made a decision to trust in Jesus. And yet you are still trust in Jesus. And yet you are still trust in Jesus. And yet you are still straddling the fence. You are you have straddling the fence. You are you have straddling the fence. You are you have one foot in the kingdom of God, but one foot in the kingdom of God, but one foot in the kingdom of God, but you're keeping like this other foot in you're keeping like this other foot in you're keeping like this other foot in your old life. Why? Because you don't your old life. Why? Because you don't your old life. Why? Because you don't fully trust God yet to satisfy you. And fully trust God yet to satisfy you. And fully trust God yet to satisfy you. And so, you won't let your old life go so, you won't let your old life go so, you won't let your old life go completely. You won't let that completely. You won't let that completely. You won't let that relationship go. You won't let that relationship go. You won't let that relationship go. You won't let that habit go. You won't let that substance habit go. You won't let that substance habit go. You won't let that substance grow. And God is calling you, stop playing it And God is calling you, stop playing it safe. The only way you're fully going to safe. The only way you're fully going to safe. The only way you're fully going to experience what Psalm 16:11 says that experience what Psalm 16:11 says that experience what Psalm 16:11 says that there is fullness of joy in the presence there is fullness of joy in the presence there is fullness of joy in the presence of God. The only way you're fully going of God. The only way you're fully going of God. The only way you're fully going to experience that is if you lean in to experience that is if you lean in to experience that is if you lean in and you fully trust God. There are some and you fully trust God. There are some and you fully trust God. There are some of you, you're playing it safe with your of you, you're playing it safe with your of you, you're playing it safe with your finances.

finances. finances. You're playing it safe. You're playing it safe. You're playing it safe. You know what God has called you to do? You know what God has called you to do? You know what God has called you to do? That he's called us as followers of That he's called us as followers of That he's called us as followers of Jesus to be a real time reflection of Jesus to be a real time reflection of Jesus to be a real time reflection of his sacrificial generosity to the world. his sacrificial generosity to the world. his sacrificial generosity to the world. You know, he calls us to give to the You know, he calls us to give to the You know, he calls us to give to the point where it hurts. Why? Because point where it hurts. Why? Because point where it hurts. Why? Because that's what he did for us in Jesus. And that's what he did for us in Jesus. And that's what he did for us in Jesus. And yet, you still just give enough to write yet, you still just give enough to write yet, you still just give enough to write off on your taxes. You still just get enough. You give You still just get enough. You give enough enough enough to be able to feel a little bit better to be able to feel a little bit better to be able to feel a little bit better about giving a little money about giving a little money about giving a little money but still kind of keeping your quality but still kind of keeping your quality but still kind of keeping your quality of life perfectly intact. of life perfectly intact. of life perfectly intact. And God is calling you to stop playing And God is calling you to stop playing And God is calling you to stop playing it safe. And maybe that looks very it safe. And maybe that looks very it safe. And maybe that looks very practically like you sitting down with practically like you sitting down with practically like you sitting down with your budget and saying, "I'm gonna push your budget and saying, "I'm gonna push your budget and saying, "I'm gonna push myself this year to give more than I myself this year to give more than I myself this year to give more than I ever have to trust God to fill in the ever have to trust God to fill in the ever have to trust God to fill in the gap and to actually be a man of his word gap and to actually be a man of his word gap and to actually be a man of his word that he gives seed to the swer.

that he gives seed to the swer. that he gives seed to the swer. And that those who trust in the Lord And that those who trust in the Lord And that those who trust in the Lord will never be put to shame." There are will never be put to shame." There are will never be put to shame." There are some of you, you've been playing it some of you, you've been playing it some of you, you've been playing it safe. safe. safe. You're so afraid in your marriage to You're so afraid in your marriage to You're so afraid in your marriage to deal with the hurt from your past, to deal with the hurt from your past, to deal with the hurt from your past, to deal with the dysfunction in your family deal with the dysfunction in your family deal with the dysfunction in your family of origin. And your spouse has been of origin. And your spouse has been of origin. And your spouse has been asking you over and over again, let's go asking you over and over again, let's go asking you over and over again, let's go to counseling, but you're playing it to counseling, but you're playing it to counseling, but you're playing it safe. You rather not unlock all of that safe. You rather not unlock all of that safe. You rather not unlock all of that hurt and all that. And you need to trust hurt and all that. And you need to trust hurt and all that. And you need to trust God enough to say, "I'm going to take a God enough to say, "I'm going to take a God enough to say, "I'm going to take a step of faith toward healing and toward step of faith toward healing and toward step of faith toward healing and toward restoration and reconciliation. I'm restoration and reconciliation. I'm restoration and reconciliation. I'm gonna trust that God can handle the pain gonna trust that God can handle the pain gonna trust that God can handle the pain in my heart and in my life and in this in my heart and in my life and in this in my heart and in my life and in this marriage. I don't know what what the Holy Spirit I don't know what what the Holy Spirit is specifically saying to you, but I do is specifically saying to you, but I do is specifically saying to you, but I do know he's telling you to stop playing it know he's telling you to stop playing it know he's telling you to stop playing it safe when you have the opportunity to be safe when you have the opportunity to be safe when you have the opportunity to be a light to your friends and your a light to your friends and your a light to your friends and your co-workers and your family members who co-workers and your family members who co-workers and your family members who don't yet know the love of God that you don't yet know the love of God that you don't yet know the love of God that you know in the gospel. know in the gospel. know in the gospel. and you're so afraid of what they might and you're so afraid of what they might and you're so afraid of what they might think of you or not being able to answer think of you or not being able to answer think of you or not being able to answer all of their questions when God has said all of their questions when God has said all of their questions when God has said to you, "Nobody, nobody's going to be to you, "Nobody, nobody's going to be to you, "Nobody, nobody's going to be saved because you're so persuasive."

All you have to do is open your mouth All you have to do is open your mouth and say, "I did not deserve God's love, and say, "I did not deserve God's love, and say, "I did not deserve God's love, but I have received it and I live in but I have received it and I live in but I have received it and I live in that love only because of what Jesus has that love only because of what Jesus has that love only because of what Jesus has done for me. And I want you to know that done for me. And I want you to know that done for me. And I want you to know that love and here's how you can know that love and here's how you can know that love and here's how you can know that love." And then you back up and you love." And then you back up and you love." And then you back up and you trust God to be true that nothing can trust God to be true that nothing can trust God to be true that nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or hinder the Lord from saving by many or hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few. I don't know what it means for by few. I don't know what it means for by few. I don't know what it means for you, but stop playing it safe. you, but stop playing it safe. you, but stop playing it safe. >> And this isn't just a word for us >> And this isn't just a word for us >> And this isn't just a word for us personally. It's a word for us together personally. It's a word for us together personally. It's a word for us together as a church family. This is the year we celebrate our 65th This is the year we celebrate our 65th anniversary as a church. 65 years. A anniversary as a church. 65 years. A anniversary as a church. 65 years. A legacy of God's work in and through MLAN legacy of God's work in and through MLAN legacy of God's work in and through MLAN Bible Church. And it is so easy, Bible Church. And it is so easy, Bible Church. And it is so easy, especially when you're a large church especially when you're a large church especially when you're a large church with a legacy like this, to just start with a legacy like this, to just start with a legacy like this, to just start playing it safe, playing it safe, playing it safe, to just make this a nice comfortable to just make this a nice comfortable to just make this a nice comfortable Christian country club, to just kind of Christian country club, to just kind of Christian country club, to just kind of get bigger, to just appease everybody, get bigger, to just appease everybody, get bigger, to just appease everybody, and to lose sight of the mission that and to lose sight of the mission that and to lose sight of the mission that God has given us. That we are partnering God has given us. That we are partnering God has given us. That we are partnering with God to seek and save the lost here with God to seek and save the lost here with God to seek and save the lost here in our area and all over the world, in our area and all over the world, in our area and all over the world, among unreached people groups, among all among unreached people groups, among all among unreached people groups, among all nations. God has called us to go after nations. God has called us to go after nations. God has called us to go after that work, to make sacrifices for that that work, to make sacrifices for that that work, to make sacrifices for that work, to be willing to streamline in work, to be willing to streamline in work, to be willing to streamline in order to pursue that work. God says, order to pursue that work. God says, order to pursue that work. God says, "Don't play it safe because the mission "Don't play it safe because the mission "Don't play it safe because the mission is too great. The urgency is too real.

is too great. The urgency is too real. is too great. The urgency is too real. Go after the lost and make disciples. Go after the lost and make disciples. Go after the lost and make disciples. Stop listening to all the stats about Stop listening to all the stats about Stop listening to all the stats about emerging generations and know nothing emerging generations and know nothing emerging generations and know nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many can hinder the Lord from saving by many can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few. Go after the next generation or by few. Go after the next generation or by few. Go after the next generation with everything you have. with everything you have. with everything you have. This is God's word to us, church family. This is God's word to us, church family. This is God's word to us, church family. Don't play it safe. trust the God who Don't play it safe. trust the God who Don't play it safe. trust the God who has all power and is in control and has has all power and is in control and has has all power and is in control and has invited us to participate in his work. invited us to participate in his work. invited us to participate in his work. And when we do that, we get a front row And when we do that, we get a front row And when we do that, we get a front row seat to see God do what only God can do. seat to see God do what only God can do. seat to see God do what only God can do. Listen to me. The greatest tragedy in Listen to me. The greatest tragedy in Listen to me. The greatest tragedy in the church isn't that we attempt great the church isn't that we attempt great the church isn't that we attempt great things for God and fail. The greatest things for God and fail. The greatest things for God and fail. The greatest tragedy is that we attempt so little tragedy is that we attempt so little tragedy is that we attempt so little because we've forgotten who God is. Stop settling for safe.

Stop settling for safe. It's not what you were made for. It's not what you were made for. It's not what you were made for. I want to give you a minute I want to give you a minute I want to give you a minute to just pray. We're going to put some to just pray. We're going to put some to just pray. We're going to put some questions up on the screen to help you questions up on the screen to help you questions up on the screen to help you just reflect on what God might be saying just reflect on what God might be saying just reflect on what God might be saying to you and how he might be inviting you to you and how he might be inviting you to you and how he might be inviting you to respond. to respond. to respond. And then I or somebody at your location And then I or somebody at your location And then I or somebody at your location is going to take it from there. Just is going to take it from there. Just is going to take it from there. Just take a minute between you and God.

and we thank you, Father, for the and we thank you, Father, for the invitation invitation invitation that you extend to us through your word to get off the sidelines to get off the sidelines to step into the mission to trust you God with the next step. to trust you God with the next step. And so, Lord, I trust by your spirit And so, Lord, I trust by your spirit And so, Lord, I trust by your spirit that you are and will show us, Lord, that you are and will show us, Lord, that you are and will show us, Lord, what that looks like for us, the what that looks like for us, the what that looks like for us, the specific invitation that you're giving specific invitation that you're giving specific invitation that you're giving us. us. us. And God, I pray that you would increase And God, I pray that you would increase And God, I pray that you would increase our faith, not in how we think it's going to work not in how we think it's going to work out, out, out, but increase our faith in you but increase our faith in you but increase our faith in you and your ability to accomplish your and your ability to accomplish your and your ability to accomplish your purposes and to work all things together purposes and to work all things together purposes and to work all things together for our good. for our good. for our good. We believe, Lord, help our unbelief.

We believe, Lord, help our unbelief. We believe, Lord, help our unbelief. We pray this in Jesus name and for his We pray this in Jesus name and for his We pray this in Jesus name and for his glory. glory. glory. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Amen.