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As we’ve defined it in this series, “faith” is simply living out what I believe to be true – and in the Christian context, it’s living out what I believe to be true about Jesus. Our faith can grow, and as it grows it pushes out fear and worry and anxiety. But our Christian faith should also be the basis for making good decisions in life – and for avoiding regrets. For an example of that, we look at the next character in the Hebrews 11 “faith hall of fame” – Moses – and four decisive moments he faced.

‍Hebrews 11 repeats a single phrase over and over again: “It was by faith…” It’s easy to see God at work in hindsight; it takes faith to trust him in the present. When we do, we often experience some of life’s most pivotal moments. It turns out the most pivotal moments don’t happen to us; they happen through us, by faith. Today we look at an odd, pivotal moment of faith in the life of Joseph.

1 Samuel 14 describes a critical point in ancient Israel’s history – a point in which Israel’s King Saul is leading his army against their perennial enemy, the Philistines. The army is down to just 600 soldiers with just a couple of swords, and they’re camped out in a valley while the Philistines hold the high ground above. But Saul isn’t readying them for battle – he’s taking a nap. So his son Jonathan decides to take action himself – without any idea about how it’s going to turn out.