I received this in an email this morning and the words of Debbi Wuthnow spoke to my heart so strongly that I had to share it with all of you. We may be few but as Jonathan said “Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.” (1 Samuel 14:6)
Dear Judy,
As I read through the Bible this year, the Scripture from a few days ago included 1 Samuel 14, about a time when the nation of Israel was in distress, and made me think about where America is today. In that chapter, Israel was about to go into battle, greatly outnumbered by their Philistine enemies. It was a dire situation.
Then one man, Jonathan, decided to act. He and his armor-bearer launched a two-man attack against a Philistine outpost, killing roughly twenty soldiers and starting a battle that forced the mighty Philistine army to withdraw to their own country. It makes me think of the story of Sergeant York, who with a handful of men captured over 100 German soldiers in World War I to secure a crucial victory.
What prompted Jonathan to act so courageously in the face of overwhelming odds? His remark to his armor-bearer just before their attack reveals the source of his confidence, “Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.” (1 Samuel 14:6)
Consider that statement. Do you believe this? Do you live from that conviction?
Our country is in dire straits today. Tragically, our moral, spiritual, and social decay is encouraged and promoted by many who wear the title of ‘public servant.’ Facing this, it’s tempting to find yourself thinking,
“The problems are too enormous; can I really make a difference?”
“There aren’t enough people willing to stand with me.”
“It’s only worth taking action if I get to see immediate results.”
I’m reminded of something Chuck Swindoll said in his sermon series, Can One Person Make a Difference? “The shouts of the majority have a way of intimidating the integrity of the few.”
Let that not be said of us—that when evil was exalted in our land, we kept quiet, and our timidity led to our nation’s destruction.
As many Christians have accurately noted, one person with God makes a majority. He often saves by few instead of by many to demonstrate His power (remember Gideon?). Consider how Daniel’s courageous actions influenced not one, but two kings of pagan nations. Because of his faith and integrity, the true God was proclaimed to millions of people through the rulers he influenced.
Or consider the obedience of people like Abraham, Rahab, the prophets, Mary, John the Baptist, and the apostles. The Scriptures and other historical accounts are full of people used by God to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine”. (Ephesians 3:20) The Lord said to Paul: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Seeing what God has done in the past through one obedient person fills me with hope for today!
Does He still find people willing to “stand in the gap” before Him—people who are willing to be used by Him to make a difference, even if it means standing alone? Even if they don’t get to see the results?
I believe the answer is, “yes!” Across our country, ordinary moms and dads have left their quiet lives to run for school board and fight against the indoctrination of our students. Legislators in multiple states have stood up to protect the unborn and save children from gender-mutilation procedures. Christians have respectfully but firmly refused to compromise their faith even under threat of losing their jobs.
And at iVoterGuide, we’re encouraged by the messages we receive from voters who tell us they are not giving up; they will continue to cast informed votes in defense of Judeo-Christian values. Why? Because they know that in the Lord, their work is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Pastor Swindoll also said,
“[T]he challenge for every one of us is to endure, to stand firm, to be steadfast, to model faithfulness:
Even when conspirators seem to prosper,
Even when the wicked seem to be winning,
Even when the pressure seems unbearable,
Even when the critics won’t shut up,
Even when big people act contemptibly small,
Even when you feel as though you’re all alone,
Even when wrong is enthroned and truth is fighting for existence.”
Amen! The difficulties we currently face are no surprise to our Sovereign Lord (just read Ezekiel 22). He placed us here for this very moment and told us to remain faithful until His return. Will you join me?
Let’s act courageously, as Jonathan did. Let’s fix our eyes off ourselves and onto Jesus. Let’s humble ourselves before the Lord and see what He can do with someone who simply does his or her duty and leaves the results up to Him (to paraphrase John Quincy Adams).
And if we are blessed to see the results here on earth, let’s give Him all the glory.
For our future,
Debbie
Debbie Wuthnow
President, iVoterGuide
P.S. Many great works of God began with prayer. As we approach National Day of Prayer, we are compiling a list of the issues most important to our readers. We would love to know what concerns are on your heart to pray for our country. Please click the button below to share your thoughts with us
Thank you for this. Needed it right now!