The narratives in the Bible are often centered more around problems than they are successes.  Perhaps this is because one of the many purposes of inspiration is to help the weak and the fallen.  For instance, because of Jesus’ stated mission:  “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Mk. 2:17), we read of Him interacting with sinners more than the righteous.  Thus, God’s Word is for all, and is suited to give comfort to those whose future seems bleak.  Certainly the Christian today can relate.  We strongly disagree with the current world’s philosophy and are enduring a continual battle of sin and temptation.  So, ironically, the struggles in the Bible become our comfort as we learn how to cope and to see victory as the result.

In 1 Samuel we read of such an occasion.  The mighty Jonathan recently stirred the wrath of the Philistines by killing their commander (13:3).  As a result, the Philistines set about destroying the Israelite rebels.  Saul’s men began to retreat, and the state of Israel’s welfare, no doubt, seemed troubled.  However, Jonathan, accompanied by his shield bearer, single-handedly turned the tide of the battle.  Thinking that a band of Israelites had come to attack them, the Philistines came out to deal with them.  But it was Jonathan alone who positioned himself at a narrow point where only one man could pass at a time.  The Philistines were killed one by one until the rest fled, believing the Israelites had a greater army (14:13, 14).

Life’s struggles will cause some to run into the midst of the enemy, hoping to blindly strike their target.  But the survivor will approach his struggle with the strategy Jonathan used, handling them one problem at a time.  Jonathan’s story is among many in the Bible that tell of those who struggled, and they’re written to people who continue to struggle.  It is essential that we accept these inevitable struggles, and then turn to God’s counsel for guidance.

Barton Kizer
Associate Minister
bartonkizer@hotmail.com