Climb the Cliff

Last week my husband and I went on a small hike to go fishing. The place that we were going would require climbing a hill and then descending down a steep bank to the edge of the water.

It was a place that we had fished the year with great success because we were able to access it from the opposite side due the river being low. The river is high this time of year so the only access is by the cliffs.

As we were descending to the water our little dog slipped several times on the narrow path. I had worn flip flops, not a good choice, and was having my own difficult adventure. Regardless of the conditions the knowledge that this was a place of success kept me going and with a good attitude.

In 1 Samuel 14 Jonathan and his armor-bearer also had cliffs that needed to be climbed and a promise of victory upon arrival. Jonathan was a skilled warrior and a man of God. He put his faith into action and completely submitted to God’s will even when that meant that as Crown Prince, he would never sit on the throne, that would be given to another, his best friend David.

While other soldiers were hiding from their enemies, Jonathan and his armor-bearer were stepping out and trusting God. They faced their enemy head on and ready to fight. I love how the word states, “Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.”  “Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” (1 Samuel 14: 6-7)

Isn’t that the kind of people you want to be around? Those that are with you heart and soul as you follow God’s leading.

Jonathan and his armor-bearer were given a great victory that day and it was achieved by few; a few who trusted God. His father the king was in camp with 600 men and accomplished nothing.

As I was thinking about this story when the two men showed themselves to the Philistines and they called out, “Come up,” they climbed up the cliff knowing that however many soldiers were waiting for them at the top, God was going to deliver them.

They still had to climb the hill and once they arrived at the top, they had to battle the enemy. But they did it. They faced the challenge head on and in full confidence that God had called them to it and He would get them through it.

What an encouraging story when we are faced with tough and at time unknown battles. God was fully aware of the entire situation and He gave them the right amount of courage, energy and skill to face the task.

Whatever you’re facing, climb the cliff! God sees. He knows and He is with you.

My Prayer

Father, thank you for men like Jonathan and his armor-bearer. For their example of courage, trust and honor. Jonathan was doing it all for You Lord and he encouraged others to do the same. He wasn’t concerned about what was in it for him, he simply did what You sent Him to do. Help me do the same. Surround us with friends and companions who are with us heart and soul as we live for You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

Colossians 3: 23-24

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”