"The Power of Perhaps" by Dr. Mark Johnson (07/20/2025)

The Power of Perhaps: Unlocking Faith in Uncertainty

In the face of life's challenges, we often find ourselves hesitating, waiting for certainty before taking action. But what if the key to unlocking our potential lies in embracing the power of "perhaps"?

The story of Jonathan and his armor-bearer in 1 Samuel 14 offers a powerful lesson in faith and courage. Facing overwhelming odds against the Philistines, Jonathan utters a simple yet profound statement: "Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few."

This "perhaps" wasn't a wishy-washy maybe, but a bold declaration of possibility rooted in faith. It's a reminder that God's power isn't limited by our circumstances or resources. When we step out in faith, even with just a "perhaps," we open the door for God to move in miraculous ways.

The Power of Perhaps:

1. Brings the Right People for Your Purpose

Jonathan's "perhaps" activated his armor-bearer, who declared, "I am with you heart and soul." In our own lives, when we step out in faith, God often brings the right people alongside us. These aren't just fair-weather friends, but those who stand with us through thick and thin.

We need people in our lives who are both trusted companions and active participants. People who not only listen but show up when things get tough. As the saying goes, "I need some folks in my life that can say, 'I ain't never scared.'" In our spiritual battles, we need friends who know how to fight on their knees in prayer, calling on the character of God in our times of need.

2. Summons the Right Strategy at the Right Time

Jonathan's faith opened the door for God to provide a strategy, even if it wasn't an easy one. The path God gave them led between two cliffs – Bozez (meaning "slippery") and Seneh (meaning "thorny"). This reminds us that God's strategies often involve challenges, designed to build our character and ensure we can't take credit for the victory.

Life often puts us between a rock and a hard place, forcing us to navigate between slippery circumstances and prickly relationships. But the power of "perhaps" keeps us moving forward, knowing that victory lies on the other side of these challenges.

3. Unlocks the Power of Faith to Climb Over Fear

When the Philistines taunted Jonathan and his armor-bearer, saying, "Come up to us and we'll teach you a lesson," Jonathan saw it as a sign from God. Their faith was greater than their fear of the giant army before them.

Too often, we put our energy into fighting battles we were never meant to fight. The message here is clear: "Stop putting fight in a place where you ought to put your faith." When we trust God, He makes a way where there seems to be no way.

The Kingdom doesn't advance through caution – it moves through climbers. God is looking for people willing to climb out of depression, failed relationships, scarcity mindsets, and into their God-given purpose. He's seeking those who will say, "I don't have clarity, but I've got courage. I don't know the outcome, but I trust the One who knows the outcome."

Embracing the "Perhaps" Mindset

Living with a "perhaps" mindset doesn't mean being wishy-washy or uncertain. Instead, it means:

1. Taking Bold Steps of Faith: Like Jonathan, we're called to step out even when the odds seem stacked against us.

2. Trusting God's Character: Our "perhaps" is rooted in who God is – faithful, powerful, and good.

3. Being Willing to Look Foolish: Sometimes faith looks foolish to the world, but it's the pathway to seeing God's power manifested.

4. Persevering Through Challenges: The path may be slippery and thorny, but we keep climbing.

5. Activating Others: Our faith can inspire those around us to join in God's mission.

Scripture reminds us, "Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them" (Matthew 18:20). When we come together in faith, declaring "perhaps God will move," we create an atmosphere for miracles.

The Line Between Faith and Foolishness

It's natural to want to avoid looking foolish. But throughout history, what seemed foolish at first often turned out to be acts of tremendous faith:

- It seemed foolish for Harriet Tubman to escape slavery – until she freed herself and others.
- It looked foolish for Martin Luther King Jr. to leave his church to fight for civil rights – until those rights were won.
- It appeared foolish for a man from the south side of Chicago to run for president – until he became one of the most impactful leaders in history.

The line between faith and foolishness is often a matter of perspective. What looks like foolishness to the world may be the very act of faith that God uses to change everything.

A Call to Action

Today, you might be facing your own Philistine army – overwhelming odds, impossible situations, or daunting challenges. The invitation is clear: unlock the power of "perhaps" in your life.

- Perhaps God will heal that relationship.
- Perhaps He'll open that door for your career.
- Perhaps He'll break that addiction.
- Perhaps He'll restore what's been lost.

Don't wait for certainty. Take that step of faith. Climb that mountain. Declare your "perhaps" and watch as God moves in power.

Remember, you have power – not by might, not by human strength, but by the Spirit of the Lord. It's the power to start that business, go back to school, mend that relationship, or give your life fully to God.

In the face of uncertainty, let your "perhaps" be a bold declaration of faith. For it's in that space of possibility that we often see God do the impossible.