Victory Through God's Empowerment

By Romina Chevren

"Nahash the Ammonite went up and besieged Jabesh Gilead. And all the men of Jabesh said to him, 'Make a treaty with us, and we will be subject to you.' But Nahash the Ammonite replied, 'I will make a treaty with you only on the condition that I gouge out the right eye of every one of you and so bring disgrace on all Israel.' . . . When the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul and reported these terms to the people, they all wept aloud. Just then Saul was returning from the fields, behind his oxen, and he asked, 'What is wrong with everyone? Why are they weeping?' Then they repeated to him what the men of Jabesh had said. When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he burned with anger. . . . The next day Saul separated his men into three divisions; during the last watch of the night they broke into the camp of the Ammonites and slaughtered them until the heat of the day. Those who survived were scattered, so that no two of them were left together."—1 Samuel 11:1–11 (NIV)

This passage captures one of Saul’s early victories as king, showing the power of God’s Spirit working through a leader who trusts Him. The people of Jabesh Gilead found themselves in a dire situation. Surrounded and outnumbered by Nahash the Ammonite, they faced a humiliating and cruel ultimatum: surrender and have their right eyes gouged out, a tactic designed not only to physically harm but to bring shame upon all Israel. The hopelessness of the situation is evident as they weep and despair.

Saul’s entrance into this story is powerful and Spirit-led. Initially, Saul was not actively seeking leadership; he was still working in the fields when he heard the news. But when he learned of the threat against Jabesh Gilead, the Spirit of God came upon him, and he was filled with righteous anger. This wasn’t a response driven by pride or human ambition but by a divine burden to protect God’s people and defend His honor.

The Spirit’s empowerment transformed Saul from a hesitant leader into a decisive, courageous one. Under his leadership, the Israelites came together as one nation, raising an army of 330,000 men. Saul’s plan was both strategic and bold, dividing the army into three groups for a surprise attack. The result was a resounding victory—so complete that the Ammonite forces were utterly scattered.

This story reminds us that God empowers those He calls. When Saul allowed himself to be led by the Spirit, he was able to accomplish what seemed impossible. His leadership unified the people and demonstrated that God was still with Israel, even in their darkest moments.

For us today, the story of Saul and Jabesh Gilead teaches valuable lessons about facing challenges and trusting in God’s empowerment. Like the men of Jabesh, we often face situations that feel overwhelming or hopeless. Nahash’s cruelty reminds us that life’s challenges can come with intimidation and humiliation, but God doesn’t leave us to face these battles alone. When we invite Him into our struggles, He provides the strength, wisdom, and resources we need to overcome.

This passage also reminds us that leadership, whether in our homes, workplaces, or communities, requires dependence on God. Saul’s victory wasn’t about his personal skills or charisma but about his obedience and reliance on God’s Spirit. When we allow the Spirit to lead, even the most daunting challenges can be turned into opportunities for victory.

Pause: Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by a challenge. How did you respond? Did you invite God into the situation? Consider areas of your life where you need to surrender to God’s Spirit for guidance and strength.

Practice:

1. Seek God’s Empowerment: Spend time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to guide you through any challenges or decisions you currently face.

2. Unite with Others: Like Saul rallied the Israelites, seek support from your community of faith. Share your burdens and pray together.

3. Step Forward in Faith: Identify one practical step you can take this week toward addressing a challenge, trusting that God is empowering you.

Pray: Lord, thank You for being my strength and defender in times of need. When life feels overwhelming, remind me that I don’t have to face my battles alone. Empower me with Your Spirit to lead with courage, humility, and wisdom. Unite me with others to accomplish Your will, and let my life reflect Your power and glory. Amen.