Delight in Weaknesses

 I Samuel 13; I Chronicles 2-3; 2 Corinthians 12  

“When the men of Israel saw that their situation was critical and that their army was hard pressed, they hid in caves…Some Hebrews even crossed the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead…Saul’s men began to scatter…So on the day of the battle not a soldier with Saul and Jonathan had a sword or a spear…”

1 Samuel 13:6-8, 22

“For Christ’s sake I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

2 Corinthians 12:10

Few things discourage leaders more than the defection or desertion of their team or the key leaders surrounding them. Saul’s army vaporized from 330,000 (1 Samuel), to 600 men. Saul faced a massive test at the outset of his leadership journey, and he failed. God allowed the situation to become so dire, that the remaining 600 men were weaponless.

How do you fight steel with your fists?

The resulting victory led by Jonathan was miraculous. Paul delighted in extreme tests because he knew God would get the glory, and God’s grace was enough.

Do we believe that as well?

“Lord Jesus, you are my deliverer, provider, defender, and friend. I trust in you, for your glory.”