I can't rightly say battle because most of us don't go to battle. But, I just caught something this morning. In 2 Samuel 23:10, we are told that Eleazar, one of David's mighty men, "stood his ground in the battle until his hand froze to the sword."
At first, I was caught by the word "froze." I thought, "his hand can't freeze to his sword in that region. It doesn't get that cold." Lol.
My mind is so focused on the cold here in the middle of winter that I had a visual of icicles surrounding his had. Lol. But then I paused and thought of how my muscles can feel frozen from over use.
I realized that Eleazar stayed and fought so long that his focus and determination had him gripping the sword so tightly his tendons and ligaments literally froze. They locked in the stiff position of the intense grip he had to have to ensure he did not lose his sword in the battle.
Wow! He stayed so long that a great victory was won. While, the Israelite troops had retreated, rested and returned, Eleazar had kept fighting.
Hmmm. So, what makes a person a mighty warrior? It is someone that stays, stands their ground, and keeps pushing through in the battle even when it is tough. They do not release the grip of their sword. It is someone that holds onto their sword and does not let go until their hand has frozen in the position of a tight hold.
I realize we do not have a metal sword in our battles. So, I am going to say it is the sword of the Spirit in our case which is the Word of God. We must use it to the point that our hand is not capable of letting it go (Ephesians 6:10-18).
How do I grip my sword of the Spirit for battle today?
I listen to my Bible and read it daily. Every single day. Sometimes more than others. Sometimes, it is just a verse or two because I am so caught by it. But, I am doing it so much that is nourishing my spiritual bones in the deep marrow of my soul. It is the kind of nourishment that my spiritual strength gives me the grip I need to face the battle whatever it may be. I may not be aware of the strength it is giving me, but it is there equipping me for the day of battle.
I then must yield it to pierce through the darkness at hand. As I lift my spiritual sword I discover that the words that I need to remind me of how to live in righteousness in the moment does come to me, but I must choose to lift it up and use it. I am the one that has to swing it into action in my life. This is where my grip must take hold.
May I be like Eleazar and stay in the battle holding on to my sword until victory is won! Using it faithfully and not letting go. Amen!
