What does "nothing can hinder the LORD" teach about God's power and sovereignty? Setting the Scene: Jonathan’s Daring Proposal (1 Samuel 14:1-15) • Israel’s army is outnumbered, weaponless, and hiding. • Jonathan turns to his armor-bearer and suggests a secret assault on a Philistine outpost. • He anchors his plan in one unwavering conviction: “Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, ‘Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.’” (1 Samuel 14:6) God’s Power—Unlimited and Unhindered • No numerical barrier: God is not strengthened by large crowds or weakened by small ones (Judges 7:2-7). • No material limitation: lack of swords, money, influence, or technology never restricts Him (Exodus 14:13-16). • No situational obstacle: geography, politics, or enemy strategy cannot stall His purposes (2 Chronicles 14:11). • No cosmic rival: He alone is Almighty; there is no contest (Isaiah 40:25-26). “Ah, Lord GOD! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You.” (Jeremiah 32:17) God’s Sovereignty—His Plans Stand, Unthwarted • He decrees and accomplishes all He wills (Isaiah 46:9-10; Ephesians 1:11). • Human freedom, though real, never overturns His overarching purpose (Proverbs 21:30). • Even hostile powers are instruments in His hand (Exodus 9:16; Acts 4:27-28). • Salvation history unfolds exactly as He ordained—from the Exodus to the Cross to the final return of Christ (Revelation 11:15). “I know that You can do all things and that no plan of Yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2) Parallel Witnesses in Scripture • Luke 1:37—“For nothing will be impossible with God.” • Matthew 19:26—“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” • Psalm 115:3—“Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases.” • Daniel 4:35—“No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” Living Out the Truth Today • Confidence in prayer: approach God expecting His limitless capability (Ephesians 3:20-21). • Courage in obedience: step forward even when resources look scant, trusting His sufficiency. • Peace in uncertainty: rest, knowing His sovereign will cannot be thwarted by crises, governments, or personal weakness. • Humility in success: victories belong to the LORD, not to numbers, strategies, or personalities. • Hope in evangelism: God saves by “many or by few”; no heart is too hard, no culture too closed. The phrase “nothing can hinder the LORD” anchors faith in the absolute power and sovereign freedom of God. It calls believers to fearless trust, unwavering obedience, and joyful assurance that His purposes will prevail, whether He chooses to work through a vast army or a single willing heart. |
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