‘Maybe’ (1)

‘...it may be that the Lord will work for us...’ 1 Samuel 14:6 KJV

Jonathan, King Saul’s son, was pursuing a Philistine garrison. No prophet had spoken. He had no word from the Lord to confirm that he was going to win the battle. He simply said to his armour bearer, ‘Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the Lord will work for us.’ Now, this doesn’t give you licence to go off and do your own thing, then ask that God back you up. Clearly, Jonathan was fighting on the side of the Lord’s people so he knew that God was with him. But without specific, detailed direction he stepped out on a ‘maybe’. Did it work? Yes. When Jonathan and his armour bearer killed twenty of the Philistines, it threw the opposing force into such confusion that they started killing one another, and Israel came out on top. Solomon said, ‘He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.’ (Ecclesiastes 11:4 NKJV) In other words, if you wait for perfect conditions you’ll neither attempt nor accomplish anything. Yes, it would be wonderful if God always gave us specific directions. But often He leads by an idea or an impression that begins to grow inside you, and as it strengthens and persists you start to think, ‘Maybe this is what God wants me to do.’ We like the guaranteed outcome (and income). We’re comfortable with the certain, absolute deal, with no risk of failure or loss. But you’re going to face a ‘maybe’ more times than you will have guarantees. And it’s those times of uncertainty that strengthen your faith, your resolve and your courage.