Abandoned to Victory - April 1st, 2009

2 Sam.23:9-12 - “Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he was with David when they taunted the Philistines gathered at Pas Dammim for battle. Then the men of Israel retreated, but he stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. The troops returned to Eleazar, but only to strip the dead. Next to him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines banded together at a place where there was a field full of lentils, Israel’s troops fled from them. But Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field. He defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the LORD brought about a great victory.” Two of Davids chief mighty men, Eleazar and Shammah, at separate times, were each abandoned in battle as the army of Israel retreated, but they, although alone, took a stand. Eleazar’s hand even “froze to the sword” as they watched God accomplish great victories in both situations. Sometimes in life an ministry we are alone and at other times we feel alone; regardless, as we take a stand for God, He accomplishes what only He can. Our natural thinking tells us victory will come through some perceived avenue - that is not the case. Victory is found only in Him and even when we feel engulfed by defeat, with no apparent deliverance, He accomplishes the seemingly impossible. Even when we feel convinced that we are alone, abandoned and mired in failure, He, along side us (Jn.14:26 - the paraklete), guarantees success in all He has called us to. Rom.8:31, 37 - ” If God is for us, who can be against us?…No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” I love You more today than ever before God. I will joyfully lose and find myself in You today, putting everything on the line and taking risks for You, living this day for You, Your glory and Your kingdom alone. I will take a stand of integrity for You today, running to the fight and fighting this fight to win it. I love you Jesus.