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. –II Samuel 23:11, 12
Life certainly can be ironic. Just yesterday I was writing in this blog about punching bags, and then that evening I sat down to relax for a few minutes in front of the TV, and what movie do you suppose I found? “Rocky IV.” This is the one where Rocky travels to Russia to fight the champion, who, by the way, had been running down America in general and American boxers in particular. Wasn’t he sorry once he stepped into the ring with Mr. Rocky Balboa? Rocky certainly set him straight, which came in part from all that work on the punching bag.
People have loved those movies over the years and they seem to be as popular now as ever. I have known why for a long time, but let me state it here: we love to see the underdog take on and overcome the bad guy. Just when it looks like all is lost and the hero is defeated, this insignificant person, who no one believed ever had a chance, pulls off a stunning victory. The Scripture shows us a man named Shammah, a warrior in the army of Israel, who was willing to stand and fight when everyone else had fled. David’s army, the Israelites, had run away in the face of greater numbers, but one man took a stand and stand against all odds was victorious. We don’t know exactly how many warriors Shammah faced, but it was enough to make everyone else run for their lives. That says something about his determination and courage in adversity.
Such a determined spirit is available to us today as followers of Jesus Christ. We are not to run away from the fears and trials that so often beset us, but rather by the power of God we can overcome, even when all seems lost. Whatever you are facing today, remember that God has the power to bring you through; and you will not just survive, but you will walk forward in victory. Just as God gave victory to one man who was faithful, so will the Lord grant victory to us. Do not surrender, do not despair, and do not give up. God is faithful and will help us in our time of need.
The troubled soul finds great comfort in knowing that God is with us, we need not fear, and we will have the victory in Christ.
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