Do all That's In Your Heart

March is not the time to retreat; it's a time to march!  It's a time to arise and shift the battle. 

First Samuel, Chapters 12-14, record a time of tremendous transition for Israel.  The rule of Judges now complete, Israel has their first earthly king.

The newly coroneted King Saul sets out to liberate Israel from Philistine oppression.  He positions himself with troops in the mountains near Micmash.  On the opposite of the ravine, the Philistines are positioned to deny access into the promised land of inheritance.

King Saul, the diplomatic man pleasing king who is unsure of himself and insecure of his popularity sits paralyzed in heart.  He knows he needs to lead his people into battle, but the enemy held mountain between him and the promises of God seems impassable.  Most of his troops have sensed his apprehension and abandon him to hide in caves and thickets, rocks, holes and pits. 

This is an all too familiar experience for many believers today.  The heart of Saul has infiltrated the armies of God and left the church holding rituals and committee meetings, attempting to look like they are doing what they know to do.

The Jonathan in their midst are frustrated and bored to tears.  They have had enough of the pretense, form, and posture of unbelief.  It's time for the Jonathans to arise with their armor bearers, overcome the mountain and shift the battle.

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."  So his armor bearer said to him, "Do all that is in your heart.  Go then; hear I am with you, according to your heart."  1 Samuel 14:6-7

There are many great leaders frustrated with immobility.  They watch day after day as people leave the church, abandon their post to hide in fear of boredom.  They know God will move on their behalf, they just need someone to encourage them to go forth.

It's time for the Jonathans to speak their hearts and for those around them to support and encourage them to do all that’s in their hearts.  It's not a time to pull back, be conservative or unbelieving.  It's time to go forth and speak to the mountain.

For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, "Be removed and cast into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he shall have whatever he says."  Mark 11:23 

The Bible records in 1 Samuel 14:6; Jonathan and his armor bearer engaged the enemy held mountain.  On hands and knees they prayerfully began to take dominion over the mountain.  They were praying to God and speaking to the mountain the promises of God, until it began to tremble, until the stronghold was overcome and removed.

The remainder of Chapter 14 records that Israel saw and heard the victory of Jonathan and his armor bearer brought at the mountain.  Verses 21-23 record the troops that had gone back, who hid themselves in holes and pits, came out and joined with Jonathan to route out the rest of the enemy.

That day the mountain was overcome, the battle shifted, (14:23) the people came into their inheritance by the supernatural power of God activated by Jonathan's faith and obedience.  They tasted the honey and their eyes were enlightened.

In this hour when the church wants to pull back, be safe, and conservative; fast and pray.  It's time to shake off the heart of Saul, arise and overcome.

If you're a leader, arise and believe God.  If you're a person of influence, arise and encourage those who lead you.  Get out of your holes and caves, align with the Jonathans.  "For nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few."

Blessings to you,

Randy DeMain