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first domino

1 Samuel 14:16-23 (JDV)

1 Samuel 14:16 When Saul’s watchmen in Gibeah of Benjamin noticed, they saw the panicking troops scattering in every direction.
1 Samuel 14:17 So Saul said to the troops with him, “Call the roll and determine who has left us.” They called the roll and noticed that Jonathan and his armor-bearer were gone.
1 Samuel 14:18 Saul told Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God,” because it was with the Israelites at that time.
1 Samuel 14:19 While Saul spoke to the priest, the panic in the Philistine camp increased in intensity. So, Saul said to the priest, “Stop what you’re doing.”
1 Samuel 14:20 Saul and all the troops with him gathered and marched to the battle, and noticed the Philistines, fighting against each other in chaos!
1 Samuel 14:21 There were Hebrews from the area who had gone earlier into the camp to join the Philistines, but even they joined the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.
1 Samuel 14:22 When all the Israelite men who had been hiding in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they also joined Saul and Jonathan in the battle.
1 Samuel 14:23 So Yahveh saved Israel that day. The battle extended beyond Beth-aven,

first domino

Jonathan’s act of faith turned out to be the first domino. As soon as he and his weapon carrier attacked the first platoon of Philistines, they began fighting each other out of fear. Then the Hebrew deserters turned back to fight against them. Finally, Saul realized that this was a sign to attack as well. One act of faith can be the first domino, leading to a great act of God. Such events start with a small act of courage and continue because a larger group has the wisdom to know that God is in the event. Revivals are like that. Pentecost happened when a small group stayed and prayed until God’s Spirit showed up.

If you sense God calling you to do something for him — no matter how small — obey. You just might be the first domino in a great God event.