Sign

 1 Samuel 14:10 ESV

But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ then we will go up, for the Lord has given them into our hand. And this shall be the sign to us.” 


Jonathan was a man of faith. There's no mention in this passage of an audible word from the Lord to give a sign. It seems that Jonathan simply had a Holy Spirit inspired conviction as to the way ahead.

I have tended to struggle in life with discernment. Should I take this job or that one? Should I live here or there?

Amusingly, someone wrote a book on discernment called 'just do something' which basically says that as long as it isn't explicitly sinful, we can go ahead and do things even without a thunderous voice from the heavens rubber stamping our decisions. God has given us free will and initiative to exercise.

The Philistines oppressors indeed said 'come up here' and God did indeed give them into the hands of Jonathan and his armour bearer. May we similarly have the courage of our convictions. May God give us victory in spiritual warfare.

'Almighty God, may we trust you, and also use our initiative. Forgive us when we're overly cautious and passive. In Jesus' mighty name, amen'.

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