Blake Allen
Dunbar Cave Campus Pastor
1 Samuel 14:6
“Let’s go across to the outpost of the pagans,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer. “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!”
Waiting is not something we are naturally good at. We are living in the days of prime shipping, fast food, instant messaging, touch pay, etc. Instant gratification has become the norm. Expediency is king in this world. Have you ever had to wait a long time to be seen by a doctor? Or how about waiting on test results of some kind? Maybe you have been praying and asking God for something specific but have found yourself waiting longer than you’d like. It is hard to wait when we are accustomed to getting what we want at the touch of a button.
God may be trying to slow you down. We get so ahead of ourselves when we are waiting for something. Jonathan knew a little something about waiting. Specifically, he waited on the counsel of the Lord before going up against the Philistines. On the other hand, his father, Saul, got ahead of himself. Saul was waiting on Samuel to arrive and offer a sacrifice to the Lord on behalf of the Israelites before going to battle. But when Samuel didn’t arrive at the time expected, Saul offered the sacrifice instead. But God had very specific laws about this. It was to be done by the priest alone. Shortly after, Samuel arrived. He saw what Saul had done and rebuke him. Instead of trusting God in the waiting, Saul made a rash decision which led to the beginning of his kingship being taken away.
Jonathan, however, waiting on the counsel of the Lord before going to battle. He believed God would reveal whether or not to go up against the Philistines. He believed God would get the victory no matter the odds. He showed faith and patience. Church, we need more of that. Wait upon the Lord. Trust Him in the waiting. He has a plan and will reveal His plan in due time.