1 Samuel 14:6
Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.
Matthew 6:33
Strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
God’s reign is real – whether embraced or denied. He is enthroned above all powers and has all authority. He does not ring his hands in anxious worry at the latest disaster, natural or otherwise. This is certainly most clearly expressed by Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Through the suffering and distress Jesus endured, he never gave up faith in God. God never wondered what he would do. Satan may have thought he had won the day, but his victory was actually his defeat, and God’s apparent defeat was actually the victory of faithfulness, righteousness, justice, and salvation. Jesus won by dying; he lived by losing. He was vindicated by his resurrection from the grave, and reigns at God’s right hand on high.
In the case of Jonathan (1 Samuel 14), the victory was outrageously ill-advised, humanly-speaking. But Jonathan went up against the Philistines in the strength of God, and God prevailed. In our case, the challenges are often more subtle. We don’t always take on armies single-handedly. We don’t often have our battles cut out so clearly for us. But when we strive to embrace God’s reign in our families, work-places, schools, and leisure activities, we can all-too-easily be challenged. We are easily tempted to hold a grudge. Others often seek our ruin as a means for their gain. Satan can release his minions against godly pursuits.
In those moments we must lean into the promises of God, and seek his reign and righteousness. That reign is one of grace in our hearts. That righteousness is one of faith in the ways and love of Jesus. That’s worth striving for, seeking, pursuing and embracing.
David Bahn - Reflections 
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