Hold Firm

I was recently reading in 2 Samuel 23 about David's three mighty men: Josheb-Basshebeth, Shammah, and Eleazar, and was struck by some great truths in Eleazar's life.

Eleazar was with David and 300 other troops as they battled the Philistines. The troops retreated in fear, but Eleazar "stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword". Every leader, like David, needs great men around them that will hold firm in a battle and continue to fight with them when everyone else seemingly abandons them.

Eleazar also fought with passion and determination. So much so that "his hand grew tired and froze to the sword." I would love for a doctor to explain what happens in an individual's body that causes such a reaction. They literally had to pry the sword from his hand. Throughout Scripture, the sword is often times a metaphor for the Word of God. And this passage challenged me to ask myself, "How long has it been since you have held onto the Word of God in the face of adversity until God brought the victory?" I mean the enemy can't even get the sword out of your hand.

Regardless of what doctors, accountants, family or friends say, you hold firm to God's word and His promises. When everyone around retreats, you stay in the fight.

In 2 Samuel 23: 10(b) it says, "The Lord brought about a great victory that day." I believe that if you will hold firmly to God's Word, store it in your heart, meditate on it, and profess it; God will bring about a great victory for you too.