From day to day and week to week, life presents a series of struggles. While we would like life to be perfect and easy, it does not turn out that way. For this reason, one thing we must learn quickly is how to respond to difficulties and challenges. In the midst of the storm, we have two basic choices: to try to manipulate circumstances and put ourselves in the best possible light or to trust the Lord and His work. In 1 Samuel 14, we see two clear examples of each path in Jonathan and Saul. When we exercise faith in the Lord and His provision, that does not guarantee that everything will turn out as we want it; in fact, it may be that the Lord has designed a season of trouble for us. But what faith does for us is that it lifts our eyes above the fray and puts them squarely on the Lord, who cares for us and loves us. It also may be that the Lord will deliver, whether “by many or by few.” When we look at the two paths, we can see that there are “Some Faithful, Some Foolish” (1 Samuel 14:1-46).

I. The Reality of Life
A. Trouble Before Us
B. Two Options Before Us

II. The Fearlessness of Faith
A. Faith Dares
B. Faith Sees

III. The Foolishness of Formality
A. Foolish Choices
B. Foolish Stubbornness

Questions for consideration: (1) What have been the most difficult and troubling events in your life? How have you dealt with them? What lessons have you learned? (2) Does it mean our faith is weak if we are not absolutely certain of what God will do? Why or why not? (3) Why is stubbornness so dangerous for us spiritually? How does faith help us to make better choices and to realize when we have done something we need to turn away from?