Have you had failures in your life? If so, it’s a good indication that you’ve taken some risks along the way. 

A few notable “failures”

• John Creasey received 743 rejection slips from publishers before one word was published. He eventually published 560 books and sold over 60 million copies 
• Michael Waltrip lost 530 races before winning his first NASCAR race in 2001…the Daytona 500
• Abraham Lincoln lost 18 elections for various offices before being elected 16th President 

We’re going to look at one of my favorite stories in the Bible about a man who took a big risk.

- 1 Samuel 14:1-23

• Saul & his troops were down to 600 men and only 2 swords among them (Jonathan holding one of the swords)
• Depressing situation under this pomegranate tree while the Philistines were wreaking havoc in every direction.
• Jonathan has had enough and decides to take a risk. Jonathan realized he couldn’t win a battle without entering a battle. 

How about you & I? Have we reached a point where we’re tired of seeing nothing happen with our books? Tired of allowing the enemy to run amok all around us?

Jonathan seized his divine moment while everyone else was asleep. I want to touch on 4 things from this story we can apply to our own lives. 

When we choose to take risks as Kingdom Writers…

1. We inspire the faithful closest to us. Jonathan’s armor-bearer was with him “completely” (heart and soul) (14:7)
2. The paralyzed are moved - Saul and his troops represent the paralyzed who were waiting for the perfect opportunity. With Saul, we learn there’s a time for prayer and a time to leave the shade of the pomegranate tree to engage in battle 
3. The prodigals are restored (v. 14:21). 
4. The weak become strong (v. 14:22). Jonathan’s risk motivated those in hiding to come out and join the battle 

No doubt you & I have felt paralyzed, prodigal or weak at various times as writers. Let’s allow Jonathan’s example from over 3000 years ago to inspire us to take risks for the Lord in these days we are living in. In Jonathan’s words, 

“Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!” ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭14:6‬b

Prayer

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