Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 14:6, 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.”
I want to ask a question that is almost rhetorical. “Is anything impossible with God?” Well, we all know the answer to that, especially since in Matthew 19:26 the LORD Himself said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” So is there anything that restrains God? Jonathan’s faith came from the fact that he knew in his heart that God is omnipotent, or all-powerful. There is nothing created or anything that exists that is more powerful than the LORD, since it is the LORD who created all things. None of us have the power to create, give salvation, resurrect anyone, or understand the depth of all God does or allows to happen in this world. God, on the hand, is Creator, Savior, has the power to resurrect, and has understanding that is far beyond our own. Isaiah 55:8-9 clearly explains, “‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the LORD. 9 ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.’” Nonetheless, as far as the power of God goes, nothing can restrain it, except one thing. We said in a previous devotional that we cannot please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6), and all we need is faith the size of a mustard seed to tap into God’s power in our lives (Matthew 17:20). So what is it that can possibly restrain the immeasurable, exceedingly mighty, power of God? Jesus gave us that answer in Matthew 13:58 where it says, “Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.” Our lack of faith is the only thing that restrains the power of God in our lives. Jonathan and his armorbearer were about to undertake a task that was far greater than they were. This was a challenge that would require complete trust and faith in the power of God. James 1:2-8 tell us, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” In the Book of Mark there was a man who approached Jesus seeking healing for his son. The disciples were not able to heal him, and Jesus said this to the man just before healing his son in Mark 9:23, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” What is happening in our lives today that requires the power of God for us to be able to endure it, learn from it, and gain valuable knowledge about who God is in our lives and who we are in Him? What are we going through today that will only be resolved by the power of God working in us and through us, that we might be hindering because of our unbelief? I tell you now that the only thing that restrains the power of God in our lives is our unbelief. So, let us have faith, even as small as a mustard seed, and watch God move that mountain that has been taunting us for so long. Remember, with God all things are possible…all things.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
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