In 1 Samuel 14, the Israelite army is fearful and in hiding while they wait. They are surrounded by the vast Philistine army. Jonathan has an idea and tells his armor bearer, let's go. He adds "perhaps the Lord will help us". He doesn't know what is going to happen but chooses to stand in faith in what he knows God can do. He knows the power of God and trusts in Him. Jonathan and his armor bearer go up to one of the Philistine outposts. They are given victory over the outpost and God goes even further and sends an earthquake. God is really great at showing us His amazing glory and saving us from impossible looking situations. The deserters and chickens see the glory and strength of God moving and come out of hiding. Saul makes a really horrible oath during the battle telling the army to not eat until he has full revenge on his enemies. He's more concerned about himself and his image than following the direction of God. His army becomes weak and faint. It is so vital that we feast on the sweet honey of God's Word so we remain nourished and strong and can keep on doing the things God asks us to do. Jonathan eats the honeycomb God provided and is energized. In trying to save face and his image, Saul is set on killing his own son for breaking his crazy oath. The people rise up and save Jonathan from his own father. Saul could avoided so much if he would have obeyed God and His direction. His pride got in the way of his obedience. What matters is not whether or not we've obeyed God in the past, but whether we are willing to submit and obey God now and in the future days. Man's plans will wear us out and leave us depleted. God's plans will energize us. While man's plans bring bondage, God's plans bring freedom.
