We all can be triggers to release God’s power

We all have a choice over what we do. The way we live and the choices we make can be used by God to release his power on Earth.

In the text of 1 Samuel 14:1-15, 20-22, we see that Jonathon was used by God as a trigger or a catalyst that released victory not only for himself, but also for God’s people. As we study further we glean from the Word and discover: 1. What made Jonathon a catalyst? 2. What did Jonathon release? 3. What is God saying to us?

In the background of the text we find that the army of God is inactive and stagnant under the leadership of Saul. Jonathon chooses to act, and in doing so released victory for God and his people.

Five things I see in the text made Jonathon a catalyst:

• First, he had a strong desire to be used by God to defeat the enemy. If we are going to be used to defeat the “enemy” in our lives and in our community, there must be an ongoing passion to do something for God. Jonathon was proactive. He did not shrink back or yield to fear. His passion and desire to act resulted in instigating a war with the Philistines after he attacked an outpost. Jonathon knew it was God’s intention to give Israel victory over their enemies. His thought was, “How can I defeat the enemy and advance God’s cause?” It was not, “How do I protect myself?”

• Secondly, he knew the power of God. Jonathon undoubtedly knew the history of how God had used men to bring victory — Abraham, Moses, Joshua. Man’s extremity has always been, and will always be, God’s opportunity. God wants to co-labor with us to change our community, state, nation and the world.

Jonathon was the opposite of his father, King Saul. Saul was a man-pleaser who ultimately forfeited the anointing because he yielded to the voice of people rather than the Word of the Lord.

• Thirdly, Jonathon was used as a trigger to release God’s power because he had the privilege of fighting in unity. Jonathon’s armor-bearer was with him in every step — in word and in deed. Psalm 133 speaks of unity and “it is there that God commands the blessing.” The opposite of blessing is cursing. The opposite of unity is strife. The book of James says, “that where there is strife there is every evil thing.” Jonathon was part of a unified team and it allowed for God’s blessing to be upon them as they attacked the Philistines.

• Not only did Jonathon allow his passion and desire to help him defeat the enemy, not only did he know the power of God and had the privilege of fighting in unity, but fourthly, Jonathon believed that God would direct him. As they moved forward, they believed “the footsteps of the righteous are ordered of the Lord.” Many believers wait until everything is perfect before they commit to moving forward. May I suggest that it is easier to direct something that is moving than something stagnant? If Moses had to have Port-a-Potties before they left, they never would have left Egypt! Don’t wait for all the Is and Ts to be dotted and crossed — move out on the Word of the Lord and believe God will direct you, provide for you and give you victory.

• Lastly Jonathon, with his armor-bearer, made a declaration of what he believed God would do and then he followed up with action. If we are going to do anything in the Kingdom of God, we must speak it out, proclaim and declare it. Then take action. That principle is vital to moving forward in the purposes of God. When we pray for the sick in our services we often ask, “What do you want Jesus to do for you?” The reason is that by having people speak forth what they are believing, for it releases faith for the miracle.

What did Jonathon trigger? He wiped out the enemy’s outpost, releasing the power of God that brought about a great victory for Israel, as well as caused encouragement to fill the hearts of the Israelites who had been previously afraid.

I believe God is speaking to us today corporately and individually. If we will get outside of the four walls of the church and begin to do the works of Jesus we will see God manifest himself as never before. Your boldness will trigger God’s power and a release of divine purpose for people and our community. Choose to do the will of God; step out, break free of lethargy, apathy and unbelief and you just might be a catalyst for others to do the same and release great victory over the enemy. Go ahead and pull the trigger.

Daniel A. Bracken is pastor of King’s Chapel in Wasilla.

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