Nougat 5

There are times when we must make serious decisions and it’s not so easy to figure it out. Perhaps today’s Holy Nougat will help.

““Let’s go across to the outpost of those 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!” “All right, then,” Jonathan told him. “We will cross over and let them see us … if they say, ‘Come on up and fight,’ then … that will be the Lord’s sign that he will help us defeat them.”” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬, ‭8‬, ‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

They were an army of two. Jonathan, son of King Saul, and his armour-bearer. The Philistines were again wreaking havoc in the lives of the Israelites and the battle was still raging. The entire Israelite army was out and about, but it was Jonathan’s moment to shine. He understood the divine principle of direct connection with God. For though we don’t hear of him praying, or God directing Jonathan to break camp, it is obvious that he was led by God.

Jonathan began with a simple plan of reconnoitre. He wanted to scope out the enemy. With his army of two, Jonathan was heavily outnumbered, and if the Philistines discovered his identity – oh he’d be dead in a flash. He needed to make an informed decision.

And just like that, Jonathan opted to seek God’s face. Herein lay the lessons for us all:

He had his armour bearer with him

He knew what he wanted

He asked for a clear sign

He looked for the sign

He was prepared for God’s intervention

In those days, the armour bearer carried the (extra) spears and shield of the senior officer or political leader to whom they were assigned. Jonathan was no exception. They would have to be alert as it sometimes got intense, and the weapons were needed in the blink of an eye. Nowadays we think of armour bearers as the person who ceremonially carries the apostle, pastor or evangelist’s Bible. And that’s probably part of their duties. But an armour bearer is also a prayer partner and covering for us, in spiritual skirmishes as well as in decision making. Do we have individual armour bearers?

Having his armour bearer with him, we note that Jonathan gave him clear instructions on what he needed. He sought direction from God, for the next step. He knew what he sought, and what he needed as a sign. How clear are we in seeking God’s face? And do we share the expectation with our armour bearer (accountability or prayer partner)? I don’t always share the sign, if it’s a ‘word’ I’m listening for, lest the armour bearer is the one God chooses to respond through. It is worth noting that Jonathan was very clear about *who and how* thus eliminating the need for secrecy.

Jonathan looked for the sign and acted on it. Looking for the sign involved personal action. This action was different from that of Gideon’s as Gideon was scared, but they both acted on their request. Whether it’s to go out to place the fleece on the ground then checking on it, or facing the Philistines as an army of two; we seek God’s direction and accompany it with action. If we are genuinely seeking God’s direction, we must be prayerfully situating ourselves for a response.

Jonathan Knew that God would respond. Despite the non-traditional prayer, he had NO DOUBT that God would respond. He didn’t know whether it was yes or no, but Jonathan’s faith never wavered. If we are guilty of doubting God based on past experiences, then we limit ourselves to enjoying the fullness of God’s grace in our lives. And sometimes, that’s the root of our inaction with our spiritual gifts.

So, whether it’s a decision or strength for the journey or guidance on using our spiritual gifts, I pray we seek God’s direction with wisdom and courage – even as an army of two.

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May all we seek be found in Christ