Standing Firm

 2 Samuel 23:8-12 talks about some of David's mighty men. Men who stood with David during his battles, men that were an integral part of his army.

The last time I had read this, I had underlined in verses 10 and 12 "but he stood his ground" and "took his stand". But then it also says "the Lord brought about a great victory". These men (Eleazar and Shammah) were in great battles with the Philistines, and because the battles were so fierce, the other men ran away. But these mighty men stood their ground and continued to fight!

Since I know how I am and what it is I underlined, I think I may have missed that key element the first time around. In Ephesians it tells us to put on the armor of God, so that when the enemy comes, we can stand our ground. And even after we have done everything, to still stand (read Ephesians 6). And I still believe that! We need to stand firm in our faith. We need to stand firm on the Word of God and His promises. But we also need to fight the enemy while we are taking our stand for the Lord. We don't just stand there and take everything that satan tries to throw at us, (yes, I do believe there will be times that that is exactly what Jesus is wanting us to do), but I believe too that there are more times than not that we call upon the Name of Jesus and have Him show us what it is we are to be doing. That could be a call of action to fight for the orphan, widow, etc., to fight for the injustices that are plaguing society at the moment. It could also mean to give some money to that poor person, or it could also be just to be praying for whatever it is that is going on. Because if we ask the Lord what it is that we are to be doing, and then do it, then if He is in it, He will bring about the great victory! It's not about us. It's not about what exactly we did, but it's about our obedience to Him and allowing Him to use us in whatever way He sees fit. Because let's face it, we think we know what's best, but in reality we know nothing apart from Christ.

So stand firm in whatever battle you are facing right now. Stand firm in knowing that Father God is with you. But don't give up! Don't stop fighting until you hear Him say "well done, my good and faithful servant." Let Him bring the victory (and He will) because that is who He is.