Accountability partners not only help you walk in truth and wisdom instead of deception and fear (1 Sam. 18), but help you be successful in fulfilling your mission so the enemy doesn’t take you out. Remember that “your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Pet. 5:8). The last thing he wants is for you to be successful in fulfilling your God-given mission. God provided Jonathan as an accountability partner so David could stay in the race to fulfill His destiny (1 Sam. 19-20).
Saul told Jonathan to put David to death. Jonathan greatly delighted in David, told him to hide in a secret place and learned everything Saul would say about him to tell David. Jonathan spoke well of David reminding his father that he hadn’t sinned and his deeds benefitted him when he killed Goliath to bring great deliverance. Jonathan reasoned that it didn’t make sense to shed innocent blood by killing David. Since Saul vowed not to put David to death, Jonathan brought him to Saul I Sam. 19:1-7). Every person needs an accountability partner to support them in times of trial.
David defeated Philistines with great slaughter. An evil spirit from the Lord came on Saul so he took spear to pin David to the wall while he played the harp. He escaped that night. Michal let David down through window and he escaped again. She placed household idol on David’s bed and said he was sick. Saul asked why she deceived him (1 Sam. 19:8-17). In addition to your accountability partner, allow your extended network of friends to protect you from Satan’s schemes.
David came to Samuel and told all Saul had done to him. He and Samuel stayed in Naioth. When Saul’s messengers saw company of prophets prophesying with Samuel presiding over them, Spirit of God came upon the messengers and they prophesied three times. Saul laid down naked all that day and people said. “Is Saul also among the prophets?” (1 Sam. 19:18-24). Corporate prayer among the church releases God’s power for protection from your enemies.
David asked Jonathan what he did or iniquity that caused Saul to seek his life. Jonathan reassured his support that Saul would not hide anything from him. David said there is “hardly a step between me and death.” Jonathan said he would do anything and tell him know if Saul answered harshly (1 Sam. 20:1-11). Accountability partner seeks your best interests and protects you from harm.
If Saul had good feeling or decided to harm David, Jonathan would share that with him. He made a covenant so David would show lovingkindness to his family when the Lord killed all David’s enemies. Because Jonathan loved David as he loved his life, he made David vow again (1 Sam. 20:12-17). Accountability partner with sacrificial love makes a covenant for important commitments.
When David stayed away three days, Jonathan would shoot three arrows and say a certain phrase signifying whether there was safety or for Lord to send David away. The agreement Jonathan and David made showed the Lord was between them forever (1 Sam. 20:18-23). Accountability partners’ mutual trust in God provides the foundation for their relationship throughout eternity.
When David received news through the arrows that Saul was angry, he fell on his face to the ground and bowed three times. They kissed each other and wept together, but David more (1 Sam. 20:24-42). Accountability partner defends, keeps commitments and advocates spiritually through prayer and relationally before your enemies.
Which of the underlined sentences are most important to you? If you don’t have one, ask God to provide an accountability partner.
