Godfidence - Week 2
Faith To Take the First Step
Faith often moves before it makes sense.
What gives a person that kind of confidence?
1 Samuel 14:1-6
1) The Military Situation
1 Samuel 13:5-6
2) The Weapon Problem
1 Samuel 13:19
3) Saul's Calling
1 Samuel 9:16
Saul Under the Pomegranate Tree
1) USE THE SWORD YOU'VE BEEN GIVEN
1 Samuel 14:1-6
Jonathan's Faith Didn't Start Here
Listen To His Theology
1 Samuel 14:6
"Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few."
The purpose of God's Word is not merely memorization, It is mobilization.
Hebrews 4:12
Ephesians 6:17
2)TAKE THE STEP YOU'VE BEEN SHOWN
1 Samuel 14:1-10
Saul Already Knew The Assignment
Jonathan Doesn't Wait For Perfect Clarity
1 Samuel 14:6
- Jonathan has uncertainty about the outcome. But certainty about God's character.
- Jonathan reminds us that often the next step is found by returning to what God has already made clear.
When you're stuck, go back to:
- The last command
- The last conviction
- The last area of obedience
THE TURNING POINT
1 Samuel 14:11-15
Small Group Discussion Questions
1. What stood out to you most from Jonathan's story?
What part of the message challenged or encouraged you the most?
2. Jonathan trusted God even when the situation looked impossible. Why do you think he was able to do that?
How does remembering what God has done help us trust Him today?
3. The message said, "Use the sword you've been given." What does that mean to you?
What's the difference between knowing God's Word and actually living it out?
4. Have you ever felt stuck waiting for God to show you what to do next?
Looking back, was there something God had already made clear that you needed to do?
5. What's one step of faith God may be asking you to take this week?
How can this group pray for or encourage you as you take that step?
3-Day Devotional
Godfidance: Faith Takes the First Step
Day 1: Use the Sword You've Been Given
Read: 1 Samuel 14:1-6
Key Verse: "Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few." — 1 Samuel 14:6
Jonathan didn't have a big army or a perfect plan. What he did have was confidence in God. Jonathan had heard stories about how God helped His people. He knew about the Red Sea, Jericho, Gideon, and Samson. Those stories reminded him that God is powerful and faithful.
The same is true for us. When we read God's Word, we learn who God is. But God's Word is meant to do more than fill our heads. It is meant to shape how we live. Knowing the Bible is good. Trusting and obeying what it says is even better.
Think About It: What is one thing you know to be true about God? How can that truth help you today?
Prayer: God, thank You for Your Word. Help me not just to know it, but to trust it and live it out. Amen.
Day 2: Take the Step You've Been Shown
Read: 1 Samuel 14:6-10
Key Verse: "Perhaps the LORD will act on our behalf." — 1 Samuel 14:6
Jonathan did not know exactly what God was going to do. He didn't have all the answers.
But he knew enough to take the next step. Sometimes we wait for God to show us the whole plan before we move forward. We want every question answered first. But often God asks us to trust Him one step at a time. If you're feeling stuck, ask yourself: "What is the last thing God clearly told me to do?" That may be the next step you need to take.
Think About It: Is there an area where you've been waiting instead of obeying? What is one next step you can take today?
Prayer: Lord, help me trust You even when I don't have all the answers. Give me courage to take the next step. Amen.
Day 3: Faith Moves Before It Makes Sense
Read: 1 Samuel 14:11-15
Key Verse: "Jonathan climbed up, using his hands and feet." — 1 Samuel 14:13
Jonathan moved before he knew how everything would turn out. He climbed the cliff first. Then God worked. Many times we want God to show us the result before we move. But faith works the other way around. Faith takes a step because God can be trusted. Jonathan could not control what happened next. But he could choose to trust God and move forward. You may not know exactly what God is going to do in your situation. But you can trust Him enough to take the next step.
Think About It: What is one area where you need to trust God more? What is one step of faith you can take this week?