“The Philistines came together to fight in a vegetable field. Israel’s troops ran away from the Philistines, but Shammah stood in the middle of the field and fought for it and killed the Philistines. And the Lord gave a great victory.” 2 Samuel 23: 11, 12
Fighting for good, I mean. This man, Shammah stood alone, the rest of the Israelites ran away. And God gave him a great victory.
Sunday morning our pastor gave a rousing message on the above passage—about fighting for what is good. Not backing down. Not becoming weary in well doing. Not quitting. Our hearts were stirred. Edmund Burke said,
“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”
We need to keep fighting for good.
Later over coffee, Marvin and I evaluated our lives and work. Were we still fighting for the things God had called us too? Good question to ask ourselves. The temptation to quit or slow down is always before us. That morning, we recommitted ourselves to keep fighting. It seems like it is not a once-for-all-time recommitment. We have gone through this evaluation process many times.
Aging can make cowards out of us. Are you still fighting for the Lord?
Father, when the aging process starts making itself known through aches, pains and tiredness, the temptation to quit is very strong. Even if we can’t do all the things we used to do, please show us clearly how to keep fighting in ways that suit our physical limitations. We want to keep serving you. Amen
by Katherine Kehler
used by permission
FURTHER READING
The Re-Knitting Hand of God – What God taught me about ‘little sins’
Pressing On! – a lesson on focusing our eyes and goals on Christ