Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 13, 2023: SOAP #4879: 1Samuel 14; 1Chronicles 4; 2Corinthians 13

SCRIPTURE:  1Samuel (NIV) 14:23 So the LORD rescued Israel that day…

OBSERVATION:  In reading the beginning of this chapter, we see the victory started when Jonathan, the king’s son, challenged his armor-bearer to step out in faith that God would use them to bring victory.  “Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” (Verse 6) Although they were only two, they took the risk of showing themselves to the enemy and engaging in the fight.  They did not run from the fight but climbed to the higher ground held by the enemy.

God likes to show Himself strong on behalf of those who step out in faith, depending on His help.  They were risking great failure if God did not help.  In the natural, their actions were illogical, they did not make sense.  But their faith in God made taking the risk logical. 

APPLICATION: I need not fear what appears as obvious failure when I am doing what God wants me to do.  From the days of Jonathan to now, God has not changed.  God showed up for Jonathan and He will show up for Leon.  He has in the past and He will in the future!  Leon needs to be careful to do what the Holy Spirit shows him to do. 

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, your heart must have rejoiced to see Jonathan express his faith in you.  I want your heart to rejoice in my actions also. This is a SOAP from the past, but it is fresh because today it is stirring my heart to action.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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