Stand and Fight (originally sent September 12, 1999)
June 30, 2008
Dear Friends,
And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines. But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory. (2 Sam. 23:11-12)
These few verses buried in the chapters of Second Samuel tell an amazing story. A man named Shammah stops in a bean field to fight the Philistines despite the fact that his army has fled the battlefield. In defending this worthless bean field, Shammah becomes a vehicle through which God brings about a great victory.
Life in Christ can sometimes be like this. The evil in the world seems overwhelming. Perhaps this evil has even crept into your meeting or your home. Your fellow laborers in Christ, from whom you seek support and encouragement, are nowhere to be found. With all odds against you, you find yourself in a place that appears to be not worth defending.
It is not rational for us to stand and fight. Calculation and estimation are not our friends. The wisdom of the world tells us very loudly and in no uncertain terms – “Run, don’t walk. Get outta here!”
Yet, through faith in a power much greater than our own, we stand. We fight. And, yes, the LORD brings about a great victory.
It is not a victory of personal might, but a victory of faith. The glory is not our own but our heavenly Father’s and that of His Son.
The story reminds us of another fight against all odds. One man stood against all of the kings of this earth. One man stood against evil and sin in all of its manifestations. All of his friends had fled from his presence. One man depended upon God, hung on a cross and yes, God wrought a great victory.
So the next time you find yourself in one of life’s bean fields, think about Shammah. Forget about the long odds and take a stand. Just like Shammah, you won’t really be alone.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Eph. 6:13-17)
Have a great week,
Kyle Tucker
Due to the demands of Bible school season, I will be taking a brief four week break from the TFTW. In the meantime, I will share with you some TFTW classics. Enjoy!
