Gospel Reflections #905: God's training in love today

1 Samuel 11:11 "The next day, Saul divided the people into three companies. They charged the Ammonite camp at dawn and fought them until noon. Those who survived were scattered, and not two of them remained together."

When Nahash the Ammonite besieged Jabesh-Gilead and demanded the humiliating condition that the inhabitants' right eyes be gouged out, Saul, filled with the Spirit of God, gathered an army from all Israel. 

 Saul divided the people into three companies. This was a strategic division to attack simultaneously from multiple directions.

Moreover, they charged into the center of the enemy camp at the watch of the morning (before dawn). It was a surprise attack timed for when the enemy was most vulnerable.

They continued to strike the Ammonites until the heat of the day, scattering them so thoroughly that no two survivors remained together. 

Though Saul had been anointed by the prophet Samuel, he was initially viewed with skepticism by some of the people. This victory proved him to be the "chosen king" in both name and reality.

It is emphasized that this victory was not merely due to military strength, but resulted from "the Spirit of God coming powerfully upon Saul."

God always works for those who believe in Him and obey Him.

Our thoughts and actions are also the work of the Holy Spirit.

Even when we cannot see or feel it, we are being trained daily in our lives to believe in God's promises and entrust ourselves to Him.

Let us enjoy God's training in love today as well.

AUTHOR'S BIO: This Gospel Reflections page is written by Masae San, who resides in Hiroshima, Japan. Masae is a dedicated student of the Bible with a deep passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She shares her daily reflections on Gospel perspectives to reach out to others and spread the message of God's true love through a Christ-centered approach. We are sharing her insights here so that you, too, can experience the joy that comes from knowing and understanding the true Gospel and the love of God through Jesus Christ.