Have you ever faced a moment where something stood in your way, and you didn’t know how you’d get through? That’s exactly what the Israelites faced in Joshua 3. They were finally ready to enter the land God had promised them—but the Jordan River, wide and overflowing, was right in front of them. Here’s what happened and what we can learn from it.
Early in the morning, Joshua and all the Israelites left their camp and traveled to the Jordan River. They set up camp there and waited. Then the leaders went through the camp giving instructions. The people were told to follow the Ark of the Covenant, which represented God’s presence among them. It was a holy object that reminded them God was leading the way.
They were also told to keep a respectful distance from the Ark and to get ready—because God was about to do something amazing.
Joshua told the people to make themselves ready by setting their hearts on God. This was a way of saying, “Focus on God, because He is about to do something big.”
God also spoke to Joshua and said, “Today I will begin to show the people that I am with you, just as I was with Moses.” Joshua then gave the priests, who were carrying the Ark, a clear command: Step into the river and stand there.
Here’s where it gets incredible. As soon as the priests’ feet touched the edge of the water, something miraculous happened. The water stopped flowing! It piled up in a big heap far upstream, and the rest flowed away, leaving dry ground where the river had been.
Just like when Moses parted the Red Sea, God made a way through what seemed impossible.
While all the people crossed safely to the other side, the priests stayed in the middle of the riverbed with the Ark. It was a sign that God was right there with them, holding the waters back as they passed.
Once everyone was safely across, the priests came up from the river, and the waters returned to their place.
This moment wasn’t just about crossing a river—it was about trust. God had brought the Israelites to this moment, and He showed them He would lead them forward. Even when the path looked blocked, He made a way.
Sometimes we face our own “Jordan Rivers”—big challenges or unknowns. But like the Israelites, we can trust that God goes before us. When we take that step of faith, He will make a way.
When the people of Israel entered the land that God had promised them, one of the first big challenges they faced was the city of Jericho. It was a strong, well-protected city with huge walls. Taking it down seemed impossible. But what happened next showed that when you trust God—even if His plan seems strange—amazing things can happen.
Before the battle even started, Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, saw a man standing in front of him holding a sword. Joshua asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” The man replied, “Neither. I am the commander of the Lord’s army.” Joshua immediately realized this was a divine messenger sent by God. He bowed down in respect. The commander told him to take off his sandals because he was standing on holy ground—just like when God spoke to Moses from the burning bush.
Now that Joshua had received this special visit, God gave him the plan to conquer Jericho. But it wasn’t anything like a normal military strategy.
Here’s what God told them to do:
No weapons. No ladders. Just marching, trumpets, and shouting. It sounded strange, but Joshua and the people trusted God.
Joshua passed the instructions to the people. They followed God’s plan exactly. Every day, they quietly walked around the city once. On the seventh day, they walked around it seven times. Then the priests blew their trumpets, and the people gave a great shout.
And just like God said—the walls of Jericho came crashing down.
Before this battle, Rahab, a woman in Jericho, had hidden two of Joshua’s spies and helped them escape. Because of her courage and kindness, she and her whole family were saved when the city fell. The Israelites kept their promise and brought Rahab to safety, letting her live among them from then on.
After Jericho was destroyed, Joshua gave a warning. He said that anyone who tried to rebuild the city would be cursed. Jericho wasn’t just any city—it was an example of how God was leading His people and clearing the way for them in this new land.
This story isn’t just about a wall falling down. It’s about faith. The Israelites didn’t argue or question God’s odd instructions. They just did what He said—and they won a victory they could never have won on their own.
Sometimes, God’s way doesn’t look like our way. But when we trust Him, even when things don’t make sense, He shows us that He’s in control.
After the amazing victory at Jericho, the people of Israel were full of confidence. God had knocked down the walls of the city and given them a big win. So, when it was time to fight a smaller town called Ai, they expected it to be easy.
But things didn’t go as planned.
Joshua, the leader of Israel, sent just a few soldiers to take the city of Ai because it looked like an easy target. But when they attacked, they were defeated. Some of the Israelites were even killed. The people were shocked and confused. Why had they lost? Had God left them?
Joshua was heartbroken. He fell to the ground and cried out to God, asking why this had happened. God answered him clearly: someone in Israel had broken the rules. When they conquered Jericho, God had commanded them not to keep any of the treasures for themselves. Everything was supposed to be either destroyed or given to God.
But someone had secretly taken some of the treasure.
God told Joshua how to find the person who had disobeyed. All the tribes came forward, and finally, one man was chosen—Achan, from the tribe of Judah.
Joshua spoke to Achan and asked him to tell the truth. Achan admitted that he had taken a beautiful robe, some silver, and gold. He had hidden it under his tent.
The stolen items were found just where Achan said. Sadly, because of his sin, Achan, his family, and all his possessions were taken to a valley. There, they were punished. A large pile of stones was placed over him to remind everyone of what had happened.
After that, God’s anger turned away from Israel, and they were able to move forward again.
This story may sound harsh, but it teaches us some important lessons. First, hidden sin can affect more than just one person. Achan’s actions brought trouble to the whole community. Second, God takes honesty and obedience seriously. And third, when we make mistakes, the best thing we can do is confess and turn back to God.
The good news is, God doesn’t give up on His people. Even after failure, He offers a way forward. And He wants us to walk in trust, truth, and obedience each step of the way.
Sometimes life feels like a battle, and we wonder if we’re strong enough to keep going. In Joshua 10:1–15, we see how God stepped in to help His people during a real battle—and how He still helps us today.
After Joshua and the Israelites defeated cities like Jericho and Ai, a nearby city called Gibeon made peace with them. This upset the other kings in the region. Five Amorite kings—leaders of powerful cities—were so angry that they joined forces to attack Gibeon.
Gibeon was now in trouble. They had made a treaty with Joshua, so they quickly sent messengers asking him for help.
When Joshua heard Gibeon needed help, he didn’t hesitate. He gathered his army and marched all night to get there in time. God spoke to Joshua and said, “Do not be afraid of them. I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to stand against you.”
With those words of comfort, Joshua knew God was with him. The battle ahead wasn’t just his to fight—God was leading the way.
When Joshua and his men arrived, they surprised the Amorite armies. The Israelites fought bravely, but God also got involved in an amazing way. As the enemy tried to escape, God sent a huge hailstorm from the sky. The hailstones struck down more soldiers than the Israelites did with their swords!
This moment reminds us that God doesn’t just stand by and watch. He takes action to help His people.
As the battle continued, Joshua prayed one of the boldest prayers in the Bible. He asked God to make the sun stand still so the Israelites could finish the fight before nightfall.
And God did it. The sun stayed in the sky, and the battle continued until Israel won.
This miracle showed that nothing is too hard for God. He controls the heavens and the earth, and He listens when His people pray.
This story isn’t just about an old battle. It shows us some powerful truths:
God keeps His promises. He told Joshua not to be afraid, and He helped them win.
God fights for His people. He is with us in our struggles.
Bold faith leads to big victories. Joshua prayed for something huge—and God answered.
No matter what you’re facing today, remember that you are not alone. The same God who made the sun stand still is still working in the lives of those who trust Him.
As Joshua grew old and neared the end of his life, he gathered the leaders of Israel for an important message. He had led the people into the Promised Land, and they had seen God’s power and goodness firsthand. Now, Joshua wanted to leave them with words of encouragement, warning, and wisdom.
Joshua began by reminding the people of everything God had done for them. They had faced strong enemies, yet God had given them victory. God had kept His promises, just as He said He would. Joshua wanted them to understand that it was never by their own strength alone—but by God’s help—that they had come this far.
This was a moment to pause and give thanks for how faithful God had been.
After reminding them of the past, Joshua urged the people to stay true to God in the future. He told them to keep following God’s law and not to mix with the people who still lived in the land, especially when it came to their gods. Joshua knew that if the Israelites started worshipping other gods, they would lose their way.
He encouraged them to cling tightly to the Lord and to love Him with all their hearts. Staying close to God was the key to continued blessing.
Joshua didn’t only speak about blessings—he also gave a strong warning. If the people turned away from God and started following other gods, trouble would come. God would no longer help them defeat their enemies, and the land they had received could be taken from them.
Joshua wanted the people to know that God is loving, but He is also just. Their choices would have real consequences.
Joshua ended his message by reminding them that every single promise God had made had come true. God had been completely faithful. In the same way, He would keep His word if the people disobeyed—only this time, it would mean hardship instead of blessing.
This farewell speech wasn’t just about looking back—it was about preparing for the future. Joshua wanted them to keep trusting God and living in a way that honored Him.
Joshua’s message is still important for us today. It reminds us to be thankful for what God has done, to stay faithful in our choices, and to take His words seriously. Just like the Israelites, we have a choice to follow God or go our own way. Joshua’s advice is simple but powerful: stay close to God, and trust Him with all your heart.
As Joshua neared the end of his life, he gathered all the tribes of Israel at a place called Shechem. This was an important moment. The people had finally settled in the land that God had promised them. Now Joshua, their faithful leader, had one more message to share.
Joshua reminded them of everything God had done. He spoke about how God called Abraham, led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, helped them through the wilderness, and gave them victories in the land of Canaan. Joshua made it clear: all these blessings came from God, not from their own strength or efforts.
After reminding the people of God’s goodness, Joshua gave them a challenge. He told them to fear the Lord, respect Him, and serve Him with all their hearts. But he didn’t stop there—he told them they had to make a choice.
Joshua said, “Choose this day whom you will serve.” Would they follow the gods their ancestors worshiped long ago, or would they follow the one true God who had rescued them?
Then Joshua made his own commitment clear: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
The people quickly answered Joshua. They said they would never turn away from God because He had saved them, protected them, and brought them into this new land. They wanted to serve Him, too.
Joshua warned them that following God wasn’t something to take lightly. God is holy and wants their full loyalty. If they turned away later, there would be consequences. But the people insisted—they would follow the Lord.
To seal this commitment, Joshua made a covenant, or agreement, between the people and God. He wrote it down and set up a large stone as a reminder of the promises they had made. That stone would stand as a witness for future generations.
Not long after this, Joshua died at the age of 110. He was buried in the land of promise, and the people continued to serve the Lord throughout his lifetime and even after, while the leaders who knew him were still alive.
This moment in the Bible is powerful because it shows us that faith is a choice. Joshua reminded the people of God’s goodness and asked them to choose—who would they serve?
Each of us still faces that question today. We may not be standing in Shechem, but we still have to decide: will we follow God, or go our own way?
Joshua’s life reminds us that choosing to serve God is not just a one-time decision—it’s a daily commitment. And like Joshua, we can say with confidence, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
During the time of the Judges, the people of Israel often turned away from God. Because of this, they faced many problems. In this story, they were being treated badly by King Jabin of Canaan. His army commander, Sisera, had 900 iron chariots and ruled over Israel harshly for 20 years.
The people were tired of the suffering. They cried out to God for help. And God answered.
At that time, a woman named Deborah was leading Israel. She was a prophet and a judge who listened to God and helped guide the people. Deborah called a man named Barak and gave him a message from God: he was to gather an army and go fight Sisera.
Barak agreed, but only if Deborah would go with him. She said yes, but told him that the honor of the victory would not go to him—it would go to a woman.
Barak gathered 10,000 men and went to Mount Tabor, just as God had said. Sisera heard about it and brought his army and chariots to fight.
But God was in control. He caused confusion in Sisera’s army. Barak and his men won the battle, and all of Sisera’s soldiers were defeated. Sisera himself ran away on foot, looking for safety.
Sisera came to the tent of a woman named Jael. Her husband was Heber, a Kenite, who was friendly with King Jabin. So Sisera thought he would be safe there.
Jael welcomed him, gave him milk, and let him lie down to rest. But when Sisera fell asleep, Jael quietly took a tent peg and a hammer—and killed him. Just like Deborah had said, a woman would receive the credit for the victory.
Soon after, Barak came looking for Sisera. Jael showed him what she had done. Through this surprising series of events, God gave Israel victory over a strong enemy. After that, Israel became stronger and eventually defeated King Jabin completely.
This story reminds us that God can use anyone—men or women—to do something important. Deborah led with wisdom and courage. Barak trusted God and went into battle. And Jael acted bravely when the moment came.
God can use unexpected people in surprising ways. When we trust Him and follow His lead, even difficult situations can lead to victory.
Once again, the people of Israel turned away from God and started doing what was wrong. Because of this, God allowed their enemies, the Midianites, to rule over them for seven years. The Midianites were cruel. Every time the Israelites planted crops, the Midianites would come, destroy the fields, and take away the animals. Life became very hard for the Israelites, and they cried out to God for help.
God heard their cries and sent a prophet. This prophet reminded the people of what God had done for them in the past—how He brought them out of Egypt and gave them a new land. But the prophet also explained why they were suffering: they had turned away from God and followed other gods instead.
While all this was happening, a man named Gideon was hiding in a winepress to thresh some wheat. He was afraid of the Midianites. Then something unexpected happened—an angel of the Lord appeared and called him a “mighty warrior.” The angel told Gideon that God had chosen him to rescue Israel from the Midianites.
Gideon was shocked. He didn’t see himself as a leader or a hero. He was from a small family and didn’t think he was special. But God saw something in Gideon that even Gideon couldn’t see.
To be sure this message was real, Gideon asked for a sign. He prepared an offering of meat and bread, and when he placed it on a rock, the angel touched it with a staff. Fire came up and burned it completely. Then the angel disappeared. Gideon knew this was a message from God.
God gave Gideon a job right away. He told him to tear down the altar to a false god named Baal that belonged to his father. He also told him to cut down a nearby wooden pole used for idol worship. Gideon obeyed, but he was scared of how people would react, so he did it at night. In the morning, when the people saw what had happened, they were angry and wanted to punish whoever did it. But Gideon’s father stood up for him and challenged the people to let Baal defend himself if he was really a god.
Soon, the Midianites and their allies came together to fight against Israel. But God’s Spirit came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet to call the Israelite tribes to join him. Men from all over began to gather to fight.
Even though Gideon had seen God’s power, he was still unsure. He wanted to be absolutely sure that God was with him. So he asked for another sign. He placed a wool fleece on the ground overnight and asked God to make the fleece wet with dew but keep the ground dry. The next morning, that’s exactly what happened.
Still not fully confident, Gideon asked one more time. This time, he asked for the opposite: let the fleece stay dry and the ground be wet. Once again, God did just what Gideon asked.
This part of Gideon’s story shows that God often chooses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Gideon didn’t see himself as strong or brave, but God did. And even when Gideon was full of doubts, God was patient and kind, giving him the signs he needed.
Sometimes, we may feel like we’re not good enough or strong enough to face the challenges in our lives. But God can use us just as we are, and He walks with us every step of the way.
Sometimes, the odds seem stacked against us. We may feel too small, too weak, or too few to make a difference. But in Judges 7, we find a story that reminds us how God can bring victory—even when the numbers don’t add up.
Gideon was getting ready to go into battle against the Midianites, who had been oppressing Israel. He gathered a strong army of 32,000 men. But God told Gideon, “That’s too many.” Why? Because if Israel won with that many soldiers, they might think they won by their own strength, not by God’s help.
So Gideon told everyone who was afraid to go home. That sent 22,000 soldiers packing! Now he had just 10,000 men. But God said, “Still too many.” So He gave Gideon a test. The soldiers were taken to a stream and told to drink. Based on how they drank, God chose only 300 men to stay.
From 32,000 to 300—Gideon must have wondered how this would work. But God had a plan.
Even with God’s promise, Gideon was nervous. So God gave him a little extra help. He told Gideon to sneak down to the enemy camp. There, Gideon overheard a Midianite soldier telling a dream about a loaf of bread knocking over a tent. Another soldier said the dream meant that Gideon would defeat the Midianites.
That was all Gideon needed. He worshiped God, thankful for the encouragement. He returned to camp, ready to fight with his tiny army.
Gideon came up with a bold plan. He divided the 300 men into three groups. Each man got a trumpet, a torch, and a clay jar to hide the torch.
In the middle of the night, they surrounded the Midianite camp. On Gideon’s signal, they broke their jars, held up their torches, blew their trumpets, and shouted, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!”
The Midianite army was caught by surprise. In the dark and confusion, they began to panic and attack each other. Then they ran away in fear.
As the Midianites fled, Gideon called for help from nearby tribes to chase them down. Two of the enemy’s leaders, Oreb and Zeeb, were captured and killed. Israel had won the battle—but not because of strength in numbers. It was because they trusted God.
This story teaches us that God doesn’t need big numbers or flashy tools to do great things. He just needs people who are willing to listen, trust, and obey.
When life feels overwhelming, or when we feel too small to make a difference, we can remember Gideon’s story. With God, even a small army can bring a big victory.
The people of Israel had once again turned away from God and started doing wrong. Because of this, God allowed them to be ruled by the Philistines for 40 years. Even though the Israelites kept making bad choices, God still had a plan to help them.
There was a man named Manoah who lived in the tribe of Dan. He and his wife had no children because she couldn’t have any. One day, a messenger from God—described as the “angel of the Lord”—appeared to Manoah’s wife. He told her something amazing: she would have a son! But this wouldn’t be just any baby. He would be special, set apart by God from birth to help save Israel from the Philistines.
The angel gave clear instructions. She wasn’t to drink wine or eat anything unclean, and her son’s hair was never to be cut. This child would be a Nazirite—someone especially dedicated to God.
When his wife told him about the visit, Manoah prayed and asked God to send the messenger again so they could learn more about how to raise the child. God answered his prayer. The angel came back, and Manoah got to ask his questions. The angel repeated the instructions: the boy was to be raised carefully, following all the rules given to his mother.
Manoah wanted to thank the angel and offered to prepare a meal. But the angel said instead, they should give a burnt offering to God. So Manoah made a sacrifice. Then something amazing happened—the angel of the Lord went up into the sky in the flames of the altar! Manoah and his wife fell on their faces, realizing they had just seen someone sent straight from heaven.
Manoah was afraid they would die because they had seen a heavenly being. But his wife wisely told him that if God had wanted to harm them, He wouldn’t have accepted their offering or told them about the baby.
Just as promised, the woman gave birth to a son and named him Samson. As he grew up, God’s Spirit began to work in his life. This was the beginning of a big story—Samson would become one of Israel’s most well-known leaders.
Even when people mess up, God doesn’t give up on them. He had a plan to save His people, and He started that plan long before anyone saw the results. God chose Samson before he was even born and prepared his parents to raise him for a special purpose.
It’s a reminder that God can use anyone—at any time—for something great. Sometimes, the most important parts of the story start quietly, behind the scenes.
The story of Samson is full of action, surprises, and lessons. He was chosen by God before he was even born to help save Israel from their enemies, the Philistines. But like many of us, Samson didn’t always make the best choices. In Judges 14, we see the beginning of his adult life—and the start of some serious trouble.
One day, Samson went to a Philistine town called Timnah and saw a woman who caught his eye. He immediately went home and told his parents, “I want to marry her.”
His parents were upset. “Can’t you find a wife among our own people?” they asked. But Samson insisted. What they didn’t realize was that God had a plan to use this situation. Even though it seemed like Samson was just making a bad choice, God was using it to start something bigger between Israel and the Philistines.
On the way to Timnah, something strange happened. A lion jumped out at Samson. But God’s Spirit gave him special strength, and Samson tore the lion apart with his bare hands. He didn’t tell anyone about it.
Later, he passed by the lion’s body and saw that bees had made a hive inside it. He scooped out some honey and ate it, then shared it with his parents—but again, didn’t say where it came from.
Samson prepared a wedding feast with 30 Philistine men as his companions. Wanting to have some fun, he gave them a riddle:
“Out of the eater came something to eat,
Out of the strong came something sweet.”
It was a trick question based on the lion and the honey, and no one could figure it out. After three days, the men pressured Samson’s wife, telling her they would hurt her if she didn’t get the answer from him. She cried and begged Samson every day until he finally gave in and told her. She quickly told the men.
When the Philistines answered the riddle, Samson was furious. He knew he had been tricked. In his anger, he went to another town, killed 30 Philistines, and took their clothes to pay off the bet. Then he stormed off home.
While Samson was gone, his new wife was given to someone else—his best man! This betrayal would lead to even more problems in the future.
This story shows us that even someone chosen by God can make poor decisions. Samson acted on impulse, let his emotions control him, and didn’t listen to wise advice. Yet God still worked through the situation. That doesn’t mean Samson’s choices were right—but it does remind us that God can bring good out of even the messiest situations.
So what can we take away? Think before you act. Listen to those who care about you. And remember, even when things go wrong, God can still move His plan forward.
The story of Samson continues with more drama, revenge, and an amazing display of strength. In Judges 15, we see how things spiral after Samson’s bride is given to another man, and how God continues to work through him in surprising ways.
Some time after his wedding, Samson goes to visit his wife, bringing a young goat as a gift. But things don’t go as planned. Her father tells Samson that he gave her to Samson’s best man because he thought Samson didn’t want her anymore. To make up for it, the father offers Samson her younger sister.
This deeply offends Samson, and he decides it’s time to get even with the Philistines.
Samson comes up with a very unusual plan. He catches 300 foxes (some translations say jackals), ties them together in pairs by their tails, and attaches a burning torch to each pair. Then he lets them loose in the Philistine grain fields. The fire spreads quickly, destroying not only grain, but also vineyards and olive groves. It’s a huge loss for the Philistines.
When the Philistines find out why their crops were burned, they blame Samson’s wife and her father. In a terrible act of revenge, they burn both of them to death.
Samson, heartbroken and angry, attacks the Philistines again. Afterward, he hides in a cave.
The Philistines come looking for Samson in the land of Judah, ready to fight. The people of Judah, afraid of the Philistines, send 3,000 men to find Samson. They don’t want trouble, so they ask Samson to surrender.
Samson agrees to go with them peacefully, but makes them promise not to kill him themselves.
As Samson is handed over to the Philistines, God’s Spirit gives him power. The ropes that tied him fall off like burned thread. Samson sees a fresh donkey’s jawbone on the ground, grabs it, and uses it as a weapon. With it, he kills 1,000 Philistine men.
Afterward, he names the place Ramath Lehi, which means “Jawbone Hill.”
After the battle, Samson is exhausted and very thirsty. He cries out to God, asking for help. God answers his prayer by providing water from a hollow place in the ground. Samson drinks, his strength returns, and he is refreshed.
This moment shows that even though Samson is a strong warrior, he still depends on God for help and life.
This chapter reminds us that God can use anyone—no matter their flaws—for His purpose. Samson made mistakes, acted out of anger, and often didn’t follow God’s ways perfectly. Yet, God still gave him strength and answered his cry for help.
Even when things seem messy or out of control, God is at work behind the scenes. And just like Samson, we can always turn to God in our weakest moments—and He will provide what we need.
Samson was a man chosen by God to help lead the Israelites and protect them from their enemies, the Philistines. God gave him incredible strength, and as long as he followed certain rules—like never cutting his hair—his strength would remain. But Samson often let his desires lead him into trouble, especially when it came to women.
One day, Samson went to Gaza, a Philistine city, and stayed overnight with a woman. When the Philistines heard he was there, they planned to trap and kill him in the morning. But Samson got up in the middle of the night, tore the city gates from their hinges, and carried them away. It was another show of his great power.
Later, Samson fell in love with a woman named Delilah. The Philistine rulers saw an opportunity and offered Delilah a large sum of money to find out the secret behind Samson’s strength. She agreed and began asking Samson for the truth.
Delilah begged Samson to tell her how he could be tied up and made weak. At first, Samson lied to her. He said he could be tied with seven fresh bowstrings, then new ropes, and later suggested weaving his hair into fabric. Each time, Delilah tried his suggestion while he slept and called in the Philistines. But each time, Samson broke free easily.
After Delilah kept asking and nagging him, Samson finally gave in. He told her the truth—that he had never cut his hair because he had been set apart for God since birth. His strength came from keeping that promise.
That night, while Samson slept, Delilah had his hair cut. This time, when the Philistines attacked, Samson had no strength left. They captured him, blinded him, and took him to prison. He was put to work grinding grain, a job for slaves.
This story reminds us that even the strongest person can fall if they ignore warnings and give in to the wrong things. Samson had a great gift from God, but he didn’t always use it wisely. Still, even in his failure, God wasn’t done with him yet.
No matter how strong or successful we are, we all need to stay close to God, make wise choices, and be careful who we trust.
Samson had made some big mistakes. He trusted the wrong person, Delilah, who betrayed him to his enemies—the Philistines. They captured him, gouged out his eyes, and made him a slave. It seemed like his story was over.
But God wasn’t finished with Samson.
While Samson was in prison, something important happened—his hair started to grow back. This wasn’t just about hair. It was a quiet sign that God’s strength and presence were returning to Samson. Even in failure, there was hope.
The Philistines thought they had won. They threw a big celebration in honor of their god, Dagon. They brought Samson out of prison to laugh at him and make fun of him. He was blind and weak. To them, he was no longer a threat.
But Samson had one more prayer left.
As Samson stood between two pillars in the temple, he prayed to God. He didn’t ask to be rescued—he asked for strength. Just one more time. He wanted to bring down the temple and defeat the enemies who had mocked both him and God.
It was a short but sincere prayer: “Lord, remember me… strengthen me just once more.”
With his hands on the pillars, Samson pushed with all his might. The temple collapsed. Thousands of Philistines died that day, including many of their leaders. In his final act, Samson achieved his greatest victory. The Bible says he killed more in his death than he had during his life.
After his death, Samson’s family came to collect his body and buried him in his homeland. His life had ups and downs, victories and failures. But in the end, God used him.
Samson’s story reminds us that even when we fall, God can still work through us. Our mistakes don’t have to be the end of our story. With God’s help, there is always a way back, always a chance to be used for something greater.
Have you ever had life go in a direction you didn’t expect—maybe even one you didn’t want? Ruth 1 tells the story of a woman named Naomi whose life seemed to fall apart. But it also introduces us to Ruth, a woman who chose faith and love even in the hardest moments. This first chapter of Ruth is all about loss, loyalty, and the quiet beginnings of hope.
Let’s walk through the story together and see what we can learn from it.
The story begins during a difficult time in Israel’s history, when a famine hit the land. Naomi, her husband Elimelech, and their two sons left their hometown of Bethlehem and moved to a foreign country called Moab to survive.
But things didn’t get better—they got worse. Elimelech died. Then, after Naomi’s sons married Moabite women named Orpah and Ruth, the sons also died. Naomi was left without her husband or her children. She felt completely alone and heartbroken.
Sometimes, life doesn’t go the way we planned. Tragedy, loss, or disappointment can leave us feeling like Naomi—empty and unsure of what to do next.
One day, Naomi heard that the famine in Bethlehem was over. God had provided food there again. So she decided to return home.
Her daughters-in-law started the journey with her, but Naomi told them to stay in Moab and try to build new lives. Orpah listened and went back. But Ruth didn’t. She held on tightly to Naomi and refused to leave her.
This part of the story reminds us that God sometimes leads us back to places we thought we had left behind—and that even in our lowest moments, He may be doing something new.
Ruth’s response is one of the most powerful moments in the Bible. She said to Naomi:
“Where you go, I will go. Where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”
Ruth wasn’t just saying kind words—she was making a lifelong promise. She was giving up everything familiar to walk with Naomi into an unknown future. She chose love over comfort. Faith over fear.
What an incredible example. Even when we don’t know what lies ahead, we can choose to stay faithful to the people God puts in our lives—and to Him.
When Naomi got back to Bethlehem, the whole town noticed. “Is this Naomi?” the people asked.
But Naomi didn’t feel like herself anymore. She told them, “Don’t call me Naomi (which means ‘pleasant’)—call me Mara, which means ‘bitter.’” She felt like life had emptied her out completely.
And yet, Ruth was still right there by her side.
Sometimes, when someone is hurting deeply, just being there is the most powerful thing we can do. Ruth didn’t preach or try to fix Naomi’s pain—she just stayed close and faithful.
Here are a few simple but powerful lessons from Ruth 1:
Ruth 1 is not the end of the story—it’s the beginning. We see heartache and loss, but also a spark of something greater. God uses ordinary people like Ruth and Naomi to show us His love and faithfulness, even when life feels bitter.
Maybe you’re in a season like Naomi’s right now. If so, take heart. God hasn’t forgotten you. Like Ruth, stay faithful. You never know what He might do next.
Question to reflect on: What does staying faithful look like in your life today?
Ruth Chapter 2 is a beautiful story about how God works behind the scenes in our everyday lives. After the sadness and loss we saw in Chapter 1, this chapter brings a glimpse of hope. Ruth, a foreign woman in a new land, takes a brave step—and what happens next is nothing short of amazing.
Let’s walk through the chapter together and see how kindness, faith, and God’s plan all come together.
As the story begins, we’re introduced to Boaz. He’s a wealthy and respected man in Bethlehem, and he’s related to Naomi’s late husband. This is important later on, but for now, we just know that he’s a good man.
Ruth decides to go out and gather leftover grain in the fields. This was something poor people were allowed to do at the time. She didn’t sit around waiting for help—she took action.
And here’s where things get interesting: Ruth just happens to end up in Boaz’s field. It looks like a coincidence, but the Bible is showing us that God is guiding her steps.
Boaz comes to the field and greets his workers kindly. Right away, we see that he’s a man of good character.
When he sees Ruth, he asks who she is. The field manager tells him how hard she’s been working and how she came with Naomi from Moab. Boaz is impressed.
He walks over to Ruth and speaks kindly to her. He tells her to stay in his field, promises to protect her, and even makes sure she has water to drink. Ruth is amazed by his kindness, especially since she’s a foreigner. But Boaz says he’s heard all about how she cared for Naomi—and he blesses her for it.
Later, Boaz invites Ruth to eat with him and the others. This is a big deal. He’s not just being nice—he’s treating her with respect and welcome.
Then, he goes even further. He tells his workers to leave extra grain behind for Ruth to pick up. She works hard and ends up gathering a large amount—enough for many days of food.
Ruth returns home and shows Naomi how much food she gathered. Naomi is amazed. When Ruth tells her the man’s name is Boaz, Naomi gets excited.
She blesses Boaz and explains to Ruth that he is a close relative—a “kinsman-redeemer.” That means he might be able to help their family in a big way.
Ruth keeps working in Boaz’s field through the harvest season. She stays committed, loyal, and hardworking.
This chapter is full of lessons that still speak to us today:
Ruth Chapter 2 reminds us that God often uses simple, everyday moments to move His plans forward. Whether we’re like Ruth—stepping out in faith—or like Boaz—blessing others with kindness—we all have a part to play.
And for Naomi, this chapter is the start of a new season. God hasn’t forgotten her story—and He hasn’t forgotten yours, either.
Ruth Chapter 3 is a powerful part of the story where everything begins to change. After seeing God’s kindness through Boaz in Chapter 2, Naomi and Ruth take a bold step forward. This chapter is all about trusting God, taking wise risks, and waiting for His plan to unfold.
Let’s walk through it together in a way that’s easy to understand.
Naomi loves Ruth and wants her to have a secure and peaceful future. She knows that Boaz is a close relative—someone who could possibly help them in a big way.
So, Naomi comes up with a plan: she tells Ruth to go to the threshing floor at night, where Boaz will be sleeping after a long day of working and celebrating the harvest. There, Ruth will ask Boaz to take her under his protection.
It might sound unusual to us today, but in their culture, this was a respectful and clear way to ask for help—and possibly marriage.
Ruth listens to Naomi and carefully follows her advice. She washes, puts on her best clothes, and heads out to the threshing floor.
Once Boaz is asleep, Ruth quietly uncovers his feet and lies down there. This act wasn’t inappropriate—it was a humble request for care and protection. It showed that she trusted Boaz’s kindness and character.
In the middle of the night, Boaz wakes up and is surprised to find someone there. Ruth introduces herself and says, “Spread your garment over me.” This was a gentle way of asking Boaz to take her in as part of his family, to become her protector.
Boaz doesn’t hesitate to praise Ruth for her kindness and bravery. He sees that she hasn’t gone after younger men but is choosing to do what’s right for her family and for Naomi.
He’s willing to help—but there’s one detail: there’s another relative who is closer in line to help than he is. Boaz promises to speak to that man in the morning and see what can be done.
This shows Boaz’s deep sense of honor. He wants to do the right thing the right way.
Before Ruth returns to Naomi, Boaz gives her a generous gift of barley to take home. He doesn’t send her away empty-handed.
When Ruth gets back and tells Naomi everything that happened, Naomi is filled with hope. She tells Ruth to wait patiently because Boaz will definitely take care of things—“He won’t rest until it’s resolved.”
This chapter teaches us some valuable lessons:
Trust God, even when the way forward is unclear. Ruth and Naomi didn’t know how things would turn out, but they stepped out in faith.
Be bold and humble. Ruth took a brave step, but she did it with great respect and wisdom.
Character matters. Boaz shows how important it is to act with integrity, even in private moments.
God is preparing something good. This chapter shows us that help, hope, and redemption are on the way—even if it takes time.
Ruth Chapter 3 is a turning point in the story. Ruth and Naomi have gone from sorrow to hope, and Boaz is ready to help. But there’s still one more step before everything is settled.
If you’re in a season of waiting or wondering what’s next, remember this chapter: God sees your faith, your kindness, and your courage. He is always working behind the scenes.
The final chapter of Ruth brings a heartwarming ending to a story that began with loss and grief. In Ruth 4, we see how God works through ordinary people and everyday decisions to bring about healing, blessing, and a future full of hope.
Let’s walk through this amazing chapter together.
Boaz, a man of his word, doesn’t waste any time. After promising Ruth he would take care of things, he goes to the city gate, where important matters were settled in those days.
There, he meets the other man who is a closer relative to Naomi’s family. Boaz gathers some elders as witnesses and lays out the situation: Naomi is selling land that belonged to her family, and it needs to be redeemed by a relative.
At first, the man agrees. But then Boaz explains that redeeming the land also means marrying Ruth, the widow. That changes everything.
The closer relative decides he can’t go through with it. He doesn’t want to risk his own family’s future or wealth. So, in front of the witnesses, he gives up his right to redeem the land and Ruth.
This opens the door for Boaz to step in—not just as a relative, but as a redeemer.
With everyone watching, Boaz gladly accepts the role. He agrees to buy the land from Naomi and to marry Ruth, continuing the family line of her late husband.
The elders and people bless Boaz and Ruth. They pray that God would give them children and a strong, lasting legacy. It’s a moment full of joy and community support.
Soon after, Ruth and Boaz are married. God blesses them with a baby boy named Obed.
Naomi, who once felt empty and bitter, is now filled with joy. She becomes like a grandmother to Obed and helps care for him. The women of the town celebrate with her, saying, “Praise God! He has not left you without a redeemer.”
Obed brings hope and new life—not just to Naomi, but to the whole story.
The chapter ends with something very special: a family tree. Obed grows up and becomes the father of Jesse, who is the father of David—Israel’s greatest king.
That means Ruth, a Moabite woman who once had nothing, becomes the great-grandmother of King David. And through David’s family line would one day come Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.
God used Ruth’s story—a story of faith, kindness, and trust—to become part of something far greater.
This chapter, and the whole book, teaches us so much:
The book of Ruth ends with hope, healing, and a powerful reminder that God sees the bigger picture. What started with sorrow ends with joy. Ruth and Naomi’s story proves that no life is too broken for God to redeem.
If you’ve ever felt forgotten, uncertain, or stuck in a hard season, remember Ruth’s story: God is always at work—and He’s not finished yet.
Have you ever wanted something so badly it hurt? Maybe you’ve prayed, cried, and waited—wondering if God even hears you. If so, you’re not alone. In the first chapter of 1 Samuel, we meet a woman named Hannah who knew exactly what that felt like.
Hannah’s story is one of pain, prayer, and promise. It shows us that even in our darkest moments, God is still listening—and He cares.
Hannah was married to a man named Elkanah. He loved her deeply, but they had a problem—Hannah couldn’t have children. In their culture, this was heartbreaking and often seen as a sign of shame. To make things worse, Elkanah’s other wife, Peninnah, had many children and constantly made fun of Hannah.
Year after year, Hannah felt crushed. She wept, she stopped eating, and she couldn’t enjoy the family trips to worship God. Even though Elkanah tried to comfort her, nothing could take away her sorrow.
Have you ever felt like that—when nothing anyone says makes the pain go away? Hannah reminds us that even faithful people go through deep hurt.
One day, after another tearful worship trip, Hannah went to the tabernacle to pray. She didn’t shout or speak loudly. Her lips moved, but no sound came out. Her prayer was silent, but her heart was crying out to God.
She made a promise: “Lord, if You give me a son, I will give him back to You for his whole life.”
Eli the priest saw her praying and thought she was drunk. But when she explained she was simply pouring out her soul to God, he told her to go in peace—and may God answer her prayer.
Sometimes, other people may not understand our pain. But God always does. And He listens, even to the prayers we whisper through our tears.
After returning home, something beautiful happened: God answered Hannah’s prayer. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, which means “God has heard.”
What a powerful reminder—God heard Hannah. And He hears us, too.
God may not always answer right away, or in the way we expect, but He is never deaf to our cries. He is kind, patient, and full of love.
Hannah had made a vow, and she meant it. After Samuel was old enough, she brought him to the tabernacle and gave him to the Lord, just as she had promised. She said, “For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him.”
She left Samuel there to serve the Lord. It must have been a hard goodbye—but also a joyful one. She trusted God enough to give back the very gift she had longed for.
This part of the story reminds us that when we give something to God, He can use it in amazing ways.
Hannah’s story teaches us a lot about prayer, faith, and trust:
Hannah started out in deep sorrow, but she ended up full of peace and joy. Her story encourages us to keep praying, even when things feel hopeless. God sees your heart. He hasn’t forgotten you. Like Hannah, you can bring your burden to Him—and trust that He will work in His perfect time.
Something to think about:
What is one thing you’re holding tightly right now that you could place in God’s hands?
Have you ever wondered if God still speaks to people? In 1 Samuel 3, we read the powerful story of how God called a young boy named Samuel—by name—and how that moment changed everything. It’s a story about listening, trusting, and being open to what God wants to say.
The story begins during a time when people rarely heard from God. The Bible says, “The word of the Lord was rare in those days” (1 Samuel 3:1). It was a spiritually quiet time. Samuel was just a boy, living and serving in the temple under a priest named Eli.
Eli was getting old, and his eyesight was fading. Things weren’t going well in Israel, especially with Eli’s family, who had disrespected God. But God was about to break the silence.
One night, as Samuel was lying down, he heard someone call his name: “Samuel!” He got up and ran to Eli, thinking Eli had called him. But Eli said, “I didn’t call you. Go back to bed.”
This happened again. And again. Three times Samuel heard the voice, and three times he ran to Eli.
Samuel didn’t realize it was God speaking to him. The Bible says, “Samuel did not yet know the Lord” (1 Samuel 3:7). That means he had never heard God’s voice before.
Finally, Eli realized what was happening. He understood that God was calling Samuel. So he gave him this advice: “If He calls you again, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’”
This moment is so important. Eli, despite his past mistakes, still helped Samuel connect with God. It reminds us that even imperfect people can guide others toward God.
The next time God called, Samuel responded: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” God gave Samuel a serious message—a warning of judgment against Eli’s family because of their sins. That must have been hard for a child to hear!
Samuel was afraid to tell Eli, but Eli encouraged him to speak the truth. Samuel shared everything, and Eli humbly accepted it, saying, “He is the Lord; let Him do what is good in His eyes.”
After that, Samuel began to grow, not just in age but in wisdom and faith. The Bible says God was with him, and everything Samuel said proved to be true. People all across Israel began to trust him as a prophet—a messenger of God.
And the best part? God kept speaking to Samuel. This once-quiet time became the beginning of something new. God’s voice was heard again in Israel.
There’s a lot we can take from this story:
Maybe you’re in a season where God feels quiet. Or maybe you’re not sure how to hear His voice. This story reminds us that God is still calling—often in gentle, quiet ways. He knows your name, just like He knew Samuel’s.
So today, take a moment to pause and pray, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
You never know what He might say.
Have you ever wanted something just because everyone else had it? Maybe you felt like you were missing out or falling behind. That’s exactly what happened in 1 Samuel 8:1–5. It’s a short passage, but it teaches us something big about leadership, trust, and how easy it is to follow the crowd instead of following God.
At this point in the Bible, Samuel is an older man. He had faithfully led the people of Israel for many years as a prophet and judge. He was respected, wise, and deeply committed to God.
As he aged, Samuel appointed his sons to help lead Israel. On the surface, that might seem like a good idea—but there was a problem.
Samuel’s sons didn’t follow his example. The Bible says they were dishonest, took bribes, and twisted justice (1 Samuel 8:3). In short, they weren’t godly leaders like their father. The people could see this, and it worried them.
When leaders act selfishly or unfairly, it causes people to lose trust—not just in that person, but sometimes even in the system or values they represent.
So the elders of Israel, the respected community leaders, came to Samuel with a bold request:
“You are old, and your sons don’t follow your ways. Give us a king to lead us, just like all the other nations have.” (1 Samuel 8:5, paraphrased)
This was a turning point. Instead of trusting God to raise up new leaders—or asking Him for help—they decided they wanted to be like everyone else. They thought a human king would fix their problems.
At first glance, this might seem like a practical decision. The current leaders weren’t working out, so why not try something new?
But their request wasn’t just about leadership. It revealed a deeper problem: the people were shifting their trust away from God. They didn’t want to wait for His plan. They wanted a human king—something they could see, something that felt more “normal” compared to other nations.
Wanting to be like others is a powerful temptation. But what seems like a good idea can sometimes lead us away from what’s best—especially when we stop listening to God.
This story teaches a few important lessons:
It’s easy to look at the Israelites and think, “Why didn’t they just trust God?” But if we’re honest, we all do the same thing sometimes. We want what others have. We try to solve problems our own way. We forget to ask God what He wants.
So today, let’s pause and think:
Are we chasing what looks good—or what is good in God’s eyes?
Are we following the crowd—or following God?
Let’s be people who pray first, trust God more, and believe that His way is always best—even when it’s different.
Have you ever wanted something so badly that you asked God for it again and again—only to find out later that it wasn’t what you really needed?
That’s exactly what happened in 1 Samuel 8. The people of Israel decided they wanted a king, just like all the other nations around them. They thought having a human king would make them stronger, safer, and more respected.
But in asking for a king, they were actually rejecting something much more important: God’s leadership.
Let’s walk through the story and see what we can learn from Israel’s choice—and how it speaks to our lives today.
The people came to the prophet Samuel and said, “Give us a king to lead us, just like all the other nations have.”
Samuel didn’t like this idea. He knew that God was supposed to be Israel’s true King. So, he prayed to the Lord. God told him, “Listen to the people. They’re not rejecting you—they’re rejecting Me.”
That’s a powerful moment. Sometimes, when we think we just want a change or a fix, we may actually be turning away from the One who knows us best.
Even though the people asked for a king, God didn’t stay silent. He told Samuel to warn them what having a king would be like.
Samuel told the people, “A king will take your sons to fight his battles. He’ll take your daughters to work for him. He’ll take your fields, your food, and your freedom.”
Did you notice the pattern? The king would take—not give.
Earthly leaders, even the good ones, are not perfect. They make mistakes, they have limits, and they often put their own needs first. God wanted the people to see the difference between His loving rule and the demands of human rulers.
God warns us not because He wants to scare us, but because He wants to protect us.
Even after all the warnings, the people said, “We still want a king. We want to be like everyone else. We want someone to lead us and fight our battles.”
They were focused on what looked good on the outside—being strong, being like other nations, feeling secure. But in doing so, they ignored the One who had already been fighting their battles all along: God.
It’s easy to look at others and think, “I want what they have.” But just because everyone else is doing something doesn’t mean it’s right for you—or what God wants for you.
Samuel went back to God with the people’s answer. And God said, “Give them a king.”
Sometimes, God lets us have what we ask for—not because it’s His best, but because we need to learn from the experience.
God didn’t give up on Israel. He still guided them. He still had a plan. But their choice brought challenges they hadn’t expected.
Here are a few simple takeaways:
Israel wanted to be like everyone else, but they already had something better—they had God as their King.
This story invites us to pause and ask ourselves: Are we chasing something that looks good on the outside but pulls us away from God’s best?
God loves us enough to let us choose—but He also loves us enough to guide us back when we stray.
Reflect:
Is there something you’re asking for right now that might be more about your desires than God’s direction?
Have you ever felt like you were just going through the motions—running errands, doing chores, trying to solve everyday problems? It might not feel very special, but sometimes, those everyday steps are exactly what God is using to guide you toward something bigger.
In 1 Samuel 9:1–21, we meet a man named Saul who’s just trying to find his father’s lost donkeys. It seems like a simple task—but by the end of his journey, Saul finds himself face-to-face with God’s prophet and on the path to becoming Israel’s first king.
Let’s walk through this story and see how God can use ordinary moments to do extraordinary things.
Saul was a young man from the tribe of Benjamin. He was tall, strong, and came from a respected family. One day, his father’s donkeys went missing, and Saul was sent to find them. With a servant by his side, he traveled through several towns—but no luck.
Can you imagine the frustration? Days of searching, no donkeys in sight. It probably felt like a waste of time.
But while Saul was looking for something lost, God was guiding him toward something found: his true calling.
When they couldn’t find the donkeys, Saul’s servant had an idea: “Let’s go ask the man of God (the prophet). Maybe he can help.”
This may seem small, but it shows something important—being willing to turn to God (or people who follow Him) when we’re stuck.
What Saul didn’t know was that God had already spoken to Samuel the day before. God said, “Tomorrow, I will send you a man. He is the one I’ve chosen to be king.”
So while Saul thought he was just looking for help, God had already planned their meeting.
When Saul finally meets Samuel, he has no idea what’s about to happen. But God speaks to Samuel again and says, “This is the man I told you about.”
Think about that: Saul was on a donkey search—but God was on a mission to raise a leader. One step at a time, Saul was walking straight into God’s plan.
Samuel invites Saul to stay and eat with him, and even tells him that all of Israel’s hopes are set on him.
Saul is shocked. “Why would you say that to me?” he asks. “I’m from the smallest tribe. I’m nobody special.”
That’s exactly the kind of person God loves to use—someone who doesn’t see themselves as great, but who is open to being led.
Saul’s journey teaches us a few simple but powerful truths:
God isn’t only working in big, dramatic moments. He’s working in our everyday steps, small decisions, and even our setbacks.
Saul thought he was just doing his job—finding donkeys. But God used that simple task to lead him into his future as a king.
Maybe today you feel like you’re just “doing life”—nothing big, nothing exciting. But who knows what God might be leading you toward?
Something to reflect on:
What ordinary part of your life might God be using to prepare you for something greater?
Keep walking. Keep trusting. God’s purpose may be closer than you think—even if it starts with a lost donkey.
Have you ever felt unsure about stepping into something new—even when others believed in you? Or maybe you’ve sensed that God was calling you to something, but it all felt too big or too fast.
In 1 Samuel 10, we read about Saul’s first steps toward becoming the king of Israel. It’s a chapter full of signs, surprises, and mixed emotions. Let’s take a closer look and see what it teaches us about calling, confidence, and God’s timing.
The chapter begins with something quiet but powerful: the prophet Samuel takes a jar of oil and pours it on Saul’s head. This was a sign that Saul was chosen by God to be Israel’s first king.
This moment wasn’t in front of a crowd. It was just the two of them. Sometimes God starts something new in us quietly—before anyone else knows. Don’t underestimate those private moments with God. That’s often where big things begin.
After anointing Saul, Samuel tells him that he’ll see some specific things on his way home—lost donkeys found, people giving him bread, and a group of prophets worshiping.
These weren’t random events. God was using them to confirm Saul’s calling and to show Saul that He was truly with him.
When we’re unsure, God can give us little signs along the way—reminders that we’re not walking alone.
As Saul leaves Samuel, something amazing happens—God changes Saul’s heart. Soon after, he meets a group of prophets and begins prophesying, just like Samuel said he would.
This shows that God doesn’t just call people—He equips and transforms them too. When God leads us into something new, He doesn’t expect us to do it alone. He shapes us for the journey.
When Saul gets home, his uncle asks where he’s been. Saul tells him about meeting Samuel—but he doesn’t mention the part about being anointed king.
Why? Maybe he felt unsure. Maybe he didn’t know what to say. Sometimes when God is doing something new in us, we hold it close to our hearts for a while—and that’s okay.
Later, Samuel gathers all of Israel to officially reveal the new king. They cast lots (like drawing names), and Saul is chosen.
But where is Saul? He’s hiding among the supplies!
Even though God had chosen and prepared him, Saul was still nervous. And yet, when the people finally saw him, they shouted, “Long live the king!”
This moment reminds us that even people called by God can feel scared or unready. But God sees the whole picture, even when we feel hidden or uncertain.
After the announcement, Samuel writes down the rules for kingship and sends everyone home.
Some people celebrated Saul. Others weren’t so sure and didn’t respect him. Saul stayed quiet and didn’t fight back.
Not everyone will understand or support what God is doing in your life. But what matters most is that God knows, and He’s with you.
Maybe you’re in a season where you feel like Saul—called, but unsure. Or maybe you’re still waiting to understand your purpose.
Whatever the case, remember this: If God calls you, He will guide you.
Take a moment today to ask yourself:
What step might God be calling me to take—even if I feel unprepared?
You might be surprised how God uses even small steps to lead you toward something greater.
Sometimes, it only takes one brave step of faith to change everything. In 1 Samuel 14:1–23, we see how Jonathan—King Saul’s son—trusted God and took a bold risk that led to a surprising victory for Israel.
The Israelites were in a tough spot. They were at war with the Philistines, a powerful enemy. The Philistine army had many soldiers, better weapons, and the upper hand. The Israelites were scared. Some were hiding in caves and bushes. Others had run away. King Saul and his men were camped out, unsure of what to do next.
While everyone else was afraid, Jonathan had a different attitude. He turned to his young armor-bearer (the person who carried his weapons) and said something bold:
“Let’s go over to the Philistine outpost. Maybe the Lord will help us. Nothing can stop the Lord—whether He saves by many or by few.” (1 Samuel 14:6)
Jonathan didn’t have a full army. He didn’t have a clear plan. But he trusted God. He believed that God could win the battle, even if it was just two of them—him and his armor-bearer—against a whole group of enemies.
Jonathan asked God for a sign: if the Philistines told them to come up to fight, that would be the signal that God was giving them victory. Sure enough, when they approached, the Philistines said, “Come up here and we’ll teach you a lesson!”
That was all Jonathan needed. He climbed up, with his armor-bearer right behind him, and attacked the Philistines. The two of them defeated about twenty men in just a short time!
Then something incredible happened: panic spread through the Philistine camp. God sent an earthquake, and the enemy soldiers became confused and terrified. They started attacking each other and running away.
Back in Saul’s camp, the Israelites saw the enemy in chaos. They realized something was happening. Saul and his men rushed into battle, and even the Israelites who had been hiding came out to fight.
God gave Israel a great victory that day—all because Jonathan dared to trust Him.
Jonathan didn’t have everything figured out. But he had faith, and he was willing to take a risk for the right reason. That small step of courage led to a huge victory.
You may not feel strong or ready—but if God is with you, that’s more than enough.
Have you ever been overlooked or underestimated? Maybe someone judged you based on how you looked, your age, or your background. If so, you’ll relate to David’s story in 1 Samuel 16.
This passage reminds us that God sees what others don’t. While people often focus on appearance or status, God looks at the heart. That truth is at the center of how David—just a young shepherd—was chosen to be Israel’s next king.
Let’s walk through this powerful story together.
The chapter starts with a problem: King Saul had disobeyed God, and God had rejected him as king. Now, God sends the prophet Samuel to Bethlehem to find the man who would take Saul’s place.
Samuel is nervous—if Saul finds out, it could be dangerous. But God gives Samuel a plan, and Samuel obeys.
Sometimes following God takes courage, especially when it doesn’t make sense to others. But obedience opens the door for God to do something new.
When Samuel arrives, Jesse (a man from Bethlehem) brings out his sons. The first one, Eliab, looks tall and strong—just like a king. Samuel thinks, “This must be him!”
But God says no. Why? Because “The Lord doesn’t look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (v. 7)
Jesse presents seven of his sons, one after another. Each time, God says, “Not him.”
This part of the story reminds us that God’s choices aren’t based on what we see. He knows people from the inside out.
After seven sons, Samuel asks Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”
Jesse replies, “There is still the youngest. He’s out tending the sheep.”
David was so overlooked that he wasn’t even invited to the gathering. But when he’s brought in, God tells Samuel, “This is the one.”
God saw something in David that no one else did.
Right there, in front of his family, David is anointed with oil—a sign that he’s chosen by God.
From that moment on, the Bible says, “The Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.”
David didn’t become king right away. He went back to tending sheep. But God had chosen him, and the journey had begun.
David’s story is full of encouragement:
Maybe you feel like David—working behind the scenes, unnoticed by others. But take heart: God hasn’t forgotten you. He knows your name, your heart, and your purpose.
When we look at David’s anointing, we see more than a boy becoming king. We see how God values faithfulness, humility, and character more than status or appearance.
Reflection Question:
If God looked at your heart today, what would He see? Are you open to being used by Him—even in unexpected ways?
God still chooses people based on the heart. And that means you could be next.
Some stories in the Bible are so well-known that even people who rarely read Scripture have heard of them. David and Goliath is one of those stories. But before the famous battle happens, there’s a powerful setup—a moment that shows us what true courage looks like, even before a single stone is thrown.
Let’s walk through the beginning of this story together.
The scene opens with two armies—Israel and the Philistines—facing each other from opposite hills, with a valley in between. But the real tension comes from one man: Goliath.
Goliath is a giant. He’s tall, heavily armored, and full of confidence. Every day, he steps out in front of the Philistine army and dares someone from Israel to fight him one-on-one. His challenge is simple: “Send someone to fight me. If they win, we’ll serve you. But if I win, you serve us.”
He repeats this challenge every morning and evening for forty days.
The Israelites—including their king, Saul—are terrified. Goliath is loud, strong, and experienced in battle. No one feels brave enough to take him on.
Saul even offers a big reward to anyone willing to fight Goliath: wealth, a royal marriage, and no taxes. Still, no one steps forward.
Fear has taken hold of the army.
Far away from the battlefield, a young shepherd named David is tending sheep. His father Jesse sends him to the front lines to check on his older brothers and bring them food.
David arrives just as Goliath is making his usual morning speech. While everyone else trembles, David is shocked—not by the giant’s size, but by his boldness in mocking Israel and God.
Instead of shrinking back like the others, David begins asking questions: “Who is this man that he should defy the armies of the living God?” His confidence comes not from pride or strength, but from faith.
David wants to know why no one has done anything about this. He sees the situation differently. Where others see a giant, he sees someone insulting God.
David’s older brother, Eliab, isn’t impressed. He scolds David, accusing him of showing off and coming just to watch the battle. But David calmly replies, “Can’t I even speak?”
This shows something important: Even when you’re doing the right thing, not everyone will support you. But David doesn’t let that stop him.
This part of the story is full of lessons that speak to us today:
The story of David and Goliath doesn’t begin with a sling and a stone. It begins with a heart full of trust in God. While everyone else was frozen by fear, David stepped forward—not because he was the strongest, but because he believed God was greater than any giant.
Most people have heard the story of David and Goliath—a young shepherd boy defeating a mighty giant. But this story is more than just an exciting moment in history. It’s a powerful reminder of how faith in God can help us overcome fear, challenges, and even the biggest obstacles in our lives.
Let’s take a closer look at how David, a young boy with no armor or sword, defeated a warrior no one else dared to face.
While the Israelite army was full of fear, David volunteered to fight Goliath. When he told King Saul, the king was shocked. David wasn’t a soldier—he was just a shepherd.
But David explained that he had already faced danger before. When lions or bears came to attack his sheep, he fought them off. He believed that God had helped him then—and God would help him now.
David’s confidence didn’t come from his own strength. It came from his trust in God.
Saul wanted to help David, so he offered him his own royal armor and sword. David tried it on, but it didn’t feel right. It was too big and heavy. He wasn’t used to it.
Instead, David chose to go with what he knew. He picked up his shepherd’s staff, took five smooth stones from a stream, and grabbed his sling.
Sometimes, we think we need to be like someone else to face our challenges. But like David, we often do best when we use the gifts and tools God has already given us.
As David walked toward Goliath, the giant laughed. He saw a young boy with no armor and no sword—and he mocked him.
But David didn’t back down. He said, “You come to me with a sword and a spear, but I come to you in the name of the Lord.” He made it clear: this battle belonged to God, not to swords or strength.
Then, with no hesitation, David ran toward Goliath. He pulled out one of his stones, put it in his sling, and let it fly.
The stone hit Goliath right in the forehead. The giant fell to the ground—face down. David ran up, took Goliath’s own sword, and finished the job.
It was a moment no one expected. The boy had won. The giant was defeated.
When the Philistines saw their champion fall, they panicked and ran. The Israelite army, now full of courage, chased after them and won the battle.
What one boy’s faith began, a whole army was inspired to finish. David’s trust in God gave strength to many others.
After the battle, David was brought before King Saul. He was still holding Goliath’s head as proof of what had happened.
This once-unknown shepherd boy was now a hero. But more importantly, he had shown everyone that God is greater than any giant.
David’s story teaches us some powerful truths:
David’s victory wasn’t about being the best warrior—it was about trusting God completely. He showed that with God, no problem is too big, no person is too small, and no battle is impossible.
If you’re facing your own “giant” today—something scary, overwhelming, or uncertain—remember David. More importantly, remember David’s God.
The battle belongs to the Lord.
David had just done something amazing—he defeated the giant Goliath when no one else would. His life was about to change in big ways. In this chapter, we see David gain new friends, new responsibilities, and a lot of attention. But with that attention came something unexpected: jealousy from someone very close to him.
Let’s take a look at what happened next in David’s journey.
Right after David spoke with King Saul, Jonathan, Saul’s son, felt a deep connection with him. The Bible says Jonathan loved David like a brother. He made a promise of friendship and loyalty that would last a lifetime.
As a sign of this bond, Jonathan gave David his robe, sword, bow, and belt. This was more than a gift—it was a way of saying, “I trust you, and I believe in you.” Their friendship is one of the strongest and most faithful in the Bible.
King Saul saw David’s courage and made him a commander in the army. David continued to succeed in everything he did, and the people began to notice.
As the soldiers returned from battle, women came out singing songs. One of the songs said, “Saul has killed his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” It was meant as praise, but it made Saul feel overshadowed.
When Saul heard the song, he became very jealous. He thought, “They’re giving David more credit than me! What’s next—giving him the kingdom?”
From that moment on, Saul kept a close and angry eye on David. What started as admiration turned into suspicion.
One day, Saul was so troubled that he tried to kill David by throwing a spear at him. David dodged the attack, but the danger was now clear.
Even though David had done nothing wrong, Saul became afraid of him. He saw that God was with David, and that only made his jealousy worse.
Saul came up with another idea. He gave David command over a large group of soldiers, hoping David would die in battle. But David didn’t fail—he kept winning. The people loved him even more.
Saul also offered David his daughter Michal to marry. But it wasn’t a kind gesture—it was another trap. Saul asked for a risky “bride price,” hoping David would be killed trying to earn it.
David didn’t brag or act proud. He said he didn’t feel worthy to be the king’s son-in-law. But he completed the challenge Saul gave him—and even more than expected.
Saul had no choice but to let David marry Michal. And to his surprise, both Michal and Jonathan loved David. Saul realized that David was not only winning battles—he was winning hearts.
This part of David’s story teaches us a lot:
David’s life changed quickly after he defeated Goliath. He became a hero, gained powerful friends, and was given great responsibility. But his rise also brought challenges, especially with King Saul’s jealousy.
Still, David trusted God through it all. And even when others tried to bring him down, God kept lifting him up.
Are you facing jealousy, unfair treatment, or pressure after doing the right thing? Remember David’s story. Stay humble, stay faithful—and trust that God sees and knows how to lead you forward.
Have you ever had a friend who stuck with you during the hardest times—someone who chose to believe in you when no one else did? That’s the kind of friendship we see in the story of David and Jonathan.
By this point in the Bible, David is in serious danger. King Saul, Jonathan’s father, is deeply jealous of David and wants him gone. But Jonathan, who is next in line to be king, doesn’t want power or revenge—he wants to protect his best friend.
This chapter shows us what true loyalty looks like when it’s tested.
David comes to Jonathan feeling confused and afraid. He asks, “What have I done to make your father want to kill me?”
Jonathan doesn’t believe it at first. He thinks Saul would have told him something so serious. But David insists that Saul is hiding the truth, knowing that Jonathan cares for him.
Instead of arguing, Jonathan listens—and promises to help.
Jonathan agrees to find out the truth from Saul. Together, he and David come up with a secret plan.
A special feast is coming. David will stay hidden in a field nearby. If Saul asks where he is and reacts with calm, it means David is safe. But if Saul becomes angry, they’ll know for sure that David’s life is in danger.
Jonathan promises to send a message using arrows. That way, David can stay hidden while still learning what Saul says.
Before parting ways, Jonathan and David renew their promise of friendship. They aren’t just good friends—they are like brothers. They make a serious promise to always be kind to each other and to each other’s families, no matter what happens.
Their friendship is built on love, trust, and a deep respect for God.
As planned, David skips the feast. On the first day, Saul says nothing. But on the second day, when David is still gone, Saul asks about him.
Jonathan tries to explain David’s absence, but Saul becomes furious. He yells at Jonathan and even throws a spear at him in anger. That’s when Jonathan realizes the truth: his father really does want David dead.
The next morning, Jonathan goes out to the field with a young servant. He shoots arrows, just like he and David had planned. Then he gives the secret signal that tells David it’s no longer safe—he must run for his life.
After the boy leaves, David and Jonathan meet one last time in private. They hug, cry, and say their painful goodbyes.
David bows down to Jonathan in respect. Both of them are deeply emotional. They know their friendship won’t be the same after this. David must leave and go into hiding.
But even in sadness, they remind each other of the promise they made—a promise to always care for each other and honor their friendship before God.
This chapter teaches us some powerful lessons:
The friendship between David and Jonathan is one of the most beautiful examples of loyalty in the Bible. When David needed help most, Jonathan stood with him—even against his own father.
Sometimes, God brings people into our lives to remind us we’re not alone. And sometimes, we are called to be that kind of friend for someone else.
Even as David ran for his life, he carried something precious with him: the love and loyalty of a true friend.
Are you facing a tough situation today? Ask God to surround you with the right people—and to help you be a faithful friend, just like Jonathan.
Have you ever had the chance to get back at someone who hurt you—but chose not to? That’s exactly what happened in one of the most powerful moments of David’s life.
In this part of the Bible, David is running for his life. King Saul is chasing him with thousands of soldiers, trying to kill him out of jealousy. David hasn’t done anything wrong—he’s just trying to survive. But in a quiet cave in the wilderness, David is suddenly given the perfect chance to end it all. What he does next shows us the true meaning of mercy and trust in God.
King Saul takes 3,000 soldiers to find David in the desert. At one point, Saul stops to rest in a cave—without knowing that David and his men are hiding deep inside that very cave.
Can you imagine the tension? The man who’s been hunting you walks right into your hiding place… completely unaware. It seems like the perfect opportunity for revenge.
David’s men see this as a sign. They whisper to him, “Now’s your chance—God has given you the moment to take Saul down.”
David quietly crawls forward and cuts off a piece of Saul’s robe, but he doesn’t hurt him. Even that small act of cutting the robe makes David feel uneasy. His heart tells him that harming Saul—even in a small way—isn’t right.
David refuses to kill Saul. He tells his men not to touch him, either. Why? Because Saul is still the king, and David believes it’s up to God—not him—to decide when Saul’s time as king should end.
Even though Saul was trying to kill him, David chooses to show mercy instead of revenge.
After Saul leaves the cave, David steps out and calls after him. He bows down and shows respect, even from a distance.
David holds up the piece of Saul’s robe to prove that he could have killed him—but didn’t. He tells Saul that he means no harm and asks, “Why are you listening to people who say I want to hurt you?”
David speaks honestly, but kindly. He trusts God to judge between them.
Saul is shocked. He begins to cry. He admits that David is a better man than he is and even says, “You will be king someday.”
Saul then asks David to make a promise—that when David becomes king, he won’t harm Saul’s family. David agrees. They go their separate ways, and for a while, there is peace.
This story teaches us several powerful lessons:
In a dark cave, with everything stacked against him, David had the perfect chance to change his future with one act. But instead of reaching for power, he chose mercy, humility, and faith in God.
It’s a reminder that real strength isn’t just about winning battles—it’s about doing what’s right, even when it’s hard.
Are you facing a situation where someone has wronged you? Maybe it’s time to follow David’s example and choose mercy. You might be surprised by how powerful kindness can be.