I want to share with you a fascinating story from the Bible were God worked a miracle for two brave men who were not afraid to fight the Lord’s battle. They put their trust in the Lord God almighty. It is the story about Jonathan and his armor-bearer found in 1 Samuel 14. Here is what the servant of the Lord wrote concerning this account:
“The armor-bearer, who also was a man of faith and prayer, encouraged the design, and together they withdrew from the camp, secretly, lest their purpose should be opposed. With earnest prayer to the Guide of their fathers, they agreed upon a sign by which they might determine how to proceed. Then passing down into the gorge separating the two armies, they silently threaded their way, under the shadow of the cliff, and partially concealed by the mounds and ridges of the valley. Approaching the Philistine fortress, they were revealed to the view of their enemies, who said, tauntingly, “Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves,” then challenged them, “Come up to us, and we will show you a thing,” meaning that they would punish the two Israelites for their daring. This challenge was the token that Jonathan and his companion had agreed to accept as evidence that the Lord would prosper their undertaking. Passing now from the sight of the Philistines, and choosing a secret and difficult path, the warriors made their way to the summit of a cliff that had been deemed inaccessible, and was not very strongly guarded. Thus they penetrated the enemy’s camp and slew the sentinels, who, overcome with surprise and fear, offered no resistance. {PP 623.2}
“Angels of heaven shielded Jonathan and his attendant, angels fought by their side, and the Philistines fell before them. The earth trembled as though a great multitude with horsemen and chariots were approaching. Jonathan recognized the tokens of divine aid, and even the Philistines knew that God was working for the deliverance of Israel. Great fear seized upon the host, both in the field and in the garrison. In the confusion, mistaking their own soldiers for enemies, the Philistines began to slay one another. {PP 623.3}
“Soon the noise of the battle was heard in the camp of Israel. The king’s sentinels reported that there was great confusion among the Philistines, and that their numbers were decreasing. Yet it was not known that any part of the Hebrew army had left the camp. Upon inquiry it was found that none were absent except Jonathan and his armor-bearer. But seeing that the Philistines were meeting with a repulse, Saul led his army to join the assault. The Hebrews who had deserted to the enemy now turned against them; great numbers also came out of their hiding places, and as the Philistines fled, discomfited, Saul’s army committed terrible havoc upon the fugitives.” {PP 624.1}
Just think about it. You have just two people, Jonathan and his armor-bearer, take on the army of the Philistines. Then “The earth trembled as though a great multitude with horsemen and chariots were approaching.” In the confusion, the Philistines turn on each other. Now that is a miracle from the almighty God. This is encouraging to me because it reminds me that no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in, God can change it around in an instant.
Remember, “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” 1 Cor. 10:11. Today, the political strife is like I never seen it before. Crime and wickedness is increasing. Turmoil is everywhere, but God is still in control. He can turn the battle around in an instance. What looks impossible to us, is not impossible with God. We must keep our eyes heavenward, trusting in the almighty God, the creator of the heavens and the earth.