21 Days of Fasting - 2025 - Day 18

Daily Devotional

Scripture:  Then Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, 'Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the Lord will work for us. For nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few. – 1 Samuel 14:6 (NKJV)

Expository Explanation:  In 1 Samuel 14, we find a powerful moment of faith and courage displayed by Jonathan, the son of King Saul. Israel was in a dire situation—under the oppressive rule of the Philistines, and the Israelites were vastly outnumbered and outmatched. Jonathan, however, was not swayed by the size of the enemy forces or the apparent hopelessness of the situation.
He speaks to his armor-bearer, suggesting an audacious move: to attack the Philistine garrison, which seemed to be an impossible task given their military superiority. Yet Jonathan’s faith in God is clear in his words: "It may be that the Lord will work for us." His confidence is not in his own strength or the size of his army, but in God's ability to deliver, regardless of the circumstances.
Jonathan understood a profound truth about God’s nature—that He is not limited by numbers, resources, or earthly power. God’s ability to save is not restricted by human calculations; He can bring victory whether the army is large or small.

Devotional Thought:  Jonathan’s boldness in 1 Samuel 14:6 serves as a reminder of the power of faith. Sometimes, we find ourselves in situations that seem impossible, and it can feel like the odds are overwhelmingly against us. The natural response might be to retreat, doubt, or surrender. But Jonathan’s example teaches us that the God we serve is not bound by our limitations or the size of our obstacles.
When we face difficulties in life—whether in our personal battles, relationships, or our work—God is not restricted by our circumstances. His power to deliver does not depend on the resources available to us. Jonathan's faith was not in his own ability to achieve victory, but in God’s sovereignty and power to act in ways we cannot imagine.
Just as Jonathan took a bold step of faith, so too are we invited to trust God beyond what we can see or understand. When we step out in faith, even in the face of overwhelming odds, we invite God to work in powerful ways.

Reflection Questions:

1. What “impossible” situation in your life are you currently facing? How can you trust God to work in that situation, even if the odds seem stacked against you?
2. Have there been times when you’ve hesitated to act in faith because of fear or doubt? What did you learn from those moments?
3. In what areas of your life can you step out in faith, knowing that God is not limited by your resources or abilities?

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, Thank You for the example of Jonathan, who showed us what it means to trust in Your power rather than our own strength. I confess that sometimes I look at my challenges and think they are too big for me, but I am reminded today that nothing is impossible for You. Help me to step out in faith, trusting that You can work in any situation, regardless of the circumstances. I pray for courage and confidence in Your ability to save and deliver, and I ask for Your guidance in whatever challenges I face today. May I lean on You, knowing that You are greater than anything I can imagine.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action Step:  This week, identify one area where you are relying on your own strength or where you feel overwhelmed. Take a step of faith and pray over that situation, asking God to show His power in it. Then, take practical steps toward moving forward, trusting that God can bring victory even when it seems impossible.