Running with Giants, Week 7: Jonathan

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us… Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)  "PERHAPS THE LORD"  "One day Jonathan son of Saul said to his young armor-bearer, "Come, let's go over to the Philistine outpost on the other side." But he did not tell his father. Saul was staying on the outskirts of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree in Migron. With him were about six hundred men, among whom was Ahijah, who was wearing an ephod. He was a son of Ichabod's brother Ahitub son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the Lord's priest in Shiloh. No one was aware that Jonathan had left. On each side of the pass that Jonathan intended to cross to reach the Philistine outpost was a cliff; one was called Bozez and the other Seneh.  One cliff stood to the north toward Mikmash, the other to the south toward Geba. Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, "Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few." "Do all that you have in mind," his armor-bearer said. "Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul." 1 Samuel 14:1-7 (NIV)  God comforts the disturbed, but he also disturbs the comfortable.   1. Your faith effects your friends and your friends effect your faith  "Bad company corrupts good character." 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)  2. Faith is a decision…not an emotion  Any time you step out in faith you'll have to step over fear.   "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)  "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10 (NIV)  Feelings are horrible leaders but they're great followers.  You can't build Gods reputation unless you're willing to risk yours  No matter how afraid you are to look like a fool, you've got to step over that fear to do what God has called you to do.   3. On the other side of your faith is someone else's awakening  Faith honors God and God honors faith