“Perhaps”

1 Samuel 14:6 (NIV) Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will act on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” 

Esther 4:14 (NLT) If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” 

Job 1:5 (NLT) When these celebrations ended – sometimes after several days – Job would purify his children. He would get up early in the morning and offer a burnt offering for each of them. For Job said to himself. “Perhaps my children have sinned and have cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular practice. 

Perhaps, you would be willing to re-read the above three verses and circle the word “perhaps” each time you see it.

It would appear that Jonathan, Esther and Job all exemplified a faith that hinged on eager expectation and sure hope! 

• Jonathan took on an entire pagan army victoriously but his first step was on a “perhaps”. 
• Esther stepped up on a “perhaps” and saved the entire Jewish race from complete annihilation.
• Job went out of his way to proactively honor God and encourage faithfulness in his family on a “perhaps” it would matter.

James 5:11 (NIV) As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. 

Jonathan, Esther and Job lived the adventure God plans for each one of us to experience. They eagerly expected God to show up, one way or another and lead them, guide them, stand by them and ultimately honor their faithfulness. God honors those who honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30) and if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. 2 Timothy 2:13 (NIV) 

Today, adventure with untold eternal impact awaits the one who will place their confidence and trust in Jesus (Jeremiah 17:7); and while remembering Truth, is willing to step forward on a “perhaps”.  For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 1 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) 

Dear one, when your foot is fitted with trust in Jesus, you can take that first step in the most wild of adventures; which always seems to be a “perhaps”! 

1 John 3:3 (NLT) And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV) for we walk by faith, not by sight.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. 

Psalm 56:3 (NIV) When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 

Isaiah 40:31 (NLT) But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.