Read: 1 Samuel 13:15-22
The Israelites were facing the Philistines in battle. The Philistines were surpassing them in military might and numbers. While Saul had only six hundred men on his side, the Philistines had thirty thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and people as numerous as the sand on the seashore. The Israelites neither had weapons to match the Philistines nor any blacksmith in their land who could make any for them. They were much behind in their military technology, lacking even the basic swords or equipment for warfare. All they had were ploughshares, mattocks, axes and sickles. Even though Saul initially had three thousand men with him, he now has only six hundred men since the others deserted him. And these six hundred men are also faced with the prospect of sure defeat. It would be logical for them to surrender, but they did not. Yet in such difficult situations, we should not forget that God had a solution for their predicament. He gave them miraculous victory over their enemies.
In our lives too, the challenges and situations we face are similar to what those Israelites faced that day. You may be looking at your obstacles like mountains, not knowing where to run or how to escape. We may feel so overwhelmed by our immediate situations that we stare at utter defeat and disgrace. But know that the same God who helped the Israelites on that day will help you today. He has a way and will lead you to victory provided you trust Him.
God encourages us to go face the enemy however intimidating it may be. He says, “I am with you.” In our weakness, He is our strength. Paul the apostle rightly said in 2 Cor. 12:10, “When I am weak, then I am strong.” Victory is not for those who are lazy, but it is for those who experientially know the power of God, trust Him and are willing to do exploits for Him.
