5 Minute Read

Today’s Bible Reading:

1 Samuel 14:1-52
John 7:31-53
Psalm 109:1-31
Proverbs 15:5-7

Today’s Bible Verse(s):

1 Samuel 14:6 (NLT): “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!”

Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):

The verse I have chosen for today is a bit unusual. However, I believe that it beautifully illustrates a truth we all must learn.

First, we realize that the Lord is sovereign and reigns over all things. He is infinitely wise and powerful, and therefore “he makes everything work out according to his plan” (Ephesians 1:11).

Yet, if we aren’t careful, we may consider the previous truth and become fatalists or lazy. We might be tempted to think that since God is going to do what He wills, then anything we do is irrelevant. In fact, if we are fatalistic, why would we even bother to pray?

This isn’t the way the Bible presents the normal flow of activities. We aren’t fatalists. We realize that God has His plans, but He relies upon us to do our part, too. It is God AND us, working together, that accomplish His purposes.

Just listen to Jonathan’s words again. He was going to do his part, but He relied upon God and His divine will, too.

1 Samuel 14:6 (NLT): “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!”

This is a simple principle. If I was a farmer, I could and would certainly pray that God would grow the crops in my field. But if my prayers are to have any chance of being answered, I would need to do my part and plant the seed in the field. It’s God AND me.

Friend, realize that God is entirely in control of all things and will accomplish His purposes. But don’t let that belief cause you to become fatalistic or lazy so that you are solely relying upon the Lord without doing your part. Perform your responsibilities as you pray for God’s direction and blessings.

Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

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