Digging Deeper

One day Jonathan son of Saul said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let’s go over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” -1 Samuel 14:1

In 1 Samuel 14:1-14 we read about how Jonathan, and his armor bearer, took the fight to the Philistines. He stood his ground but didn’t stand around. We’ve been talking this week about standing our ground but we need to keep in mind that “Stand Your Ground” does not mean to “stand around.” We must take action. We must take the fight to them and make no mistake it is a fight. It’s a fight for the souls of all those that do not have a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Whether they choose to believe it or not, we do. Therefore, it is our responsibility as Christ followers to present the gospel to them. We can’t sit around in our churches or bible studies or “life groups” and wait for those who don’t know Christ to come to us. We need to meet them where they are not just figuratively but often literally. I read in a book recently about “divine appointments”. These are the times God crosses our paths with others for His purposes. This could take place anywhere and most likely won’t be at one of the above mentioned places. Of course the drawback for God is that we have free will. We can overlook, reject or ignore these “divine appointments”. Do you think you have ever done this? I know I have. We’re too busy, too scared, too embarrassed, or sometimes just too lazy to take a few minutes and simply find out where this other person is spiritually. Or show them the love of Christ through some simple act of kindness. You don’t have to preach to them or lead them in prayer but we all need to invest a little time and interest in others. Don’t know what to say? For starters try “hi how’s your day going?” I guarantee that if you open yourself up to be used by God this way, He will provide you with the words needed.

Lord, forgive us when we miss or ignore the divine appointments You set for us. Please continue too use us to reach others for Christ. Give us the words they need to hear and allow the Holy Spirit to work through us for them. Amen

by Rick Phillips