The Israelites were in trouble (1 Samuel 13) They were completely demoralised and surrounded on every side by their enemies. They were being ambushed by three groups of Philistine warriors. The Philistines had a lot in their favour. They had already managed to capture all the Israelite blacksmiths (v19). This meant the Children of Israel were severely disadvantaged. They had no swords. All they had was a minimum of gardening tools; just enough to keep them alive but with no effective weapon to fight with. They had become a sword-less army.
But the story doesn’t end there. There were two young men who had managed to keep their swords. Namely, Jonathan and his armour-bearer. They were ‘sharp and ready’. Not only did they have their weaponry, but they also had a ‘fighting faith’ in God. They had the sword, and they had the Spirit! Think of it! Two young people well-armed and full of enthusiastic faith were more than a match for a garrison of Philistines. (Ch. 14)
This story made me ask myself the challenging question; have I allowed the ‘enemy’ to rob me of my weaponry? How much of the Word do I really have. I need all that it offers. The Word that ‘feeds’ me and the Word that protects me. I also need the Word that challenges me and the Word that makes me a threat to the devil! Remember; “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God”. (2 Corinthians 10:4) Hebrews 4:12 says “The Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword…”. Note: It is ‘living’ when it lives in us. It is ‘powerful’ when we use it under the guidance and anointing of the Holy Spirit. Don’t be satisfied with the minimum; go for the maximum. Let the full force of the Word of God impact your heart, revolutionise your life and keep you battle ready.
Be blessed
Eddie