Walk By Faith Not By Sight

In our study this week in 1 Samuel, we looked at chapters 13&14 and got a real good lesson on what faith looks like and what it does not. We made note that Saul, although king and chosen to lead the people in faith towards God, failed to do so in times of crisis. On the other hand, we looked at Jonathan the son of the king, and noticed great faith on display during the very same times of crisis. In the Bible, we are given these types of contrasts in order to know what to do and also what not to do. So, let’s take a moment to break it down and apply it for good use in our lives and service to God.

As we noted already, Saul is pictured as one who loses faith in God when the odds are stacked against him. Saul sees that it is acceptable to break the command of the Lord when it looks like hope is lost. Saul thinks that he can act differently when times are difficult. Meanwhile, Jonathan knows that if the Lord is with him then he does not need an army with swords. It can just be two people and we can win because God is on our side.

What makes the difference in the faith of Saul and Jonathan? The account makes clear the differences. Saul is operating by what he sees and is not asking God. Faith falters when it makes decision by sight. Faith falters when it fails to ask God. Saul does not look for the command of the Lord. Saul does not ask what the Lord wills. A priest has to remind him that we need to ask God first. But then Saul does not even wait for the answer and reacts.

Jonathan is completely different. Jonathan does not operate by what he sees and that is truly seen when he takes his armor bearer to go up against the Philistines. Why does he think he can do this? He says that it may be that the Lord will work for us (14:6). Not only this, but when Jonathan and his armor bearer get in position, they again seek the will of the Lord before proceeding. Jonathan depends on prayer and waits for the Lord’s answer. Saul does not wait for the Lord but acts by what he sees.

We need to think about what this is teaching. In crisis, what is our default: depend on what we see or depend on faith, praying to God who can be with us and help us? It is so easy to depend on what we see when the crisis strikes. But our hopelessness and helplessness are when we are to look to God to rise up and deliver. Israel failed because they would not do this. They would not look to God but looked to their own weaknesses. We need to be brought low so that we will look to God to save us. Do not look at your obstacle or your crisis. Look to God who is greater than your obstacle and your crisis. Look to him in faith. Look to him in prayer. “It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few” (14:6).                                                 ~Eric