2 Samuel 23:9-10
…Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines thatwere there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away: He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.
Standing for something that we believe in requires a great level of courage and commitment. It takes a relentless and continuous effort to combat the constant thought of quitting. In the process, many will be sifted as their foundation is shaken by the situation.
King Saul's army was assembled for battle against the Philistine armies. Goliath, the Philistine champion said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together. Goliath was a mighty warrior and Saul's men were intimidated by him, therefore none dared to accept his challenges. Saul's men were men of war, but fear had gripped their hearts and none stood to defend their beliefs. Day after day Goliath taunted and defied Israel as Saul's mighty men watched and did nothing. The situation looked helpless and embarrassing until a shepherd boy named David heard the challenge and accepted it. David against Goliath, the fight seemed unfair, but with God nothing shall be impossible. The Scripture declares that David won the victory by cutting off Goliath's head. The Philistines and Israelites watched how David was willing to lay down his life to defend his beliefs and Israel. The news quickly spread throughout the land of how David defeated Goliath. David accomplished what others wouldn't dare try by standing for what he believed in. I can do all things through Christ which strengthenedme.
Eleazar, knowing that he was greatly outnumbered, stood alone and defended his beliefs. Clearly, the things we say are irrelevant in comparison to the things we do. Declaring our beliefs by actions will leave a long-lasting testimony of who we are and the things we stand for. Great opposition will come to test our beliefs and commitment, however, we are guided by the conviction from the Holy Ghost. Standing sends a clear message to those around us and to those that will be following after us; there is absolutely no compromising!
The crowd watched the impossible become possible the day David defeated Goliath. Perhaps Eleazar was one of those in the crowd that saw Goliath defeated and it gave him the courage to face his own opposition. Perhaps he heard of what David did to Goliath and became inspired. We may never know who is watching us or whose life will be transformed by the things we do. Perhaps the meaning of our existence on earth is to stand so others may see.
Take a moment and consider this verse. The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD. Is it possible that God has allowed and ordered the situation that I'm in for my good and for His pleasure? In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Now consider your situation. Stand for your beliefs, for many are watching. Would you be that man that would lay down their own life for the sake of others? Would you be that man that would remind others of David, Eleazar, and Christ?
1Sam 17:10, Luke 1:37, Phil 4:13, Ps 37:23, 1 The 5:18
KJV
Comments