It’s a well known fact that eating healthy and exercising regularly keeps people strong and fit, but what about spending time with God? Sure, physical fitness is pretty important, it gives us the ability to do more, provides us with energy and keeps us on top of our game. If physical fitness is this important, imagine what spiritual strength could do for us.
Davids mighty warriors
David’s Mighty Warriors are the perfect example of strength. Some of the stories told about them in 2 Samuel, explain how the Israelite army retreated from battle against the Philistines but Eleazar (one of three Mighty Warriors) stayed behind and defeated the whole army alone. This book even mentions that his hand grew tired and froze to the sword.
To fight off a whole army single handedly this man must have been huge, he would have hit the gym every morning for four hours before eating a breakfast of pure protein to become this strong. While he was definitely a key role in this victory, 2 Samuel 23 verse 10 says at the end of the sentence: “The Lord brought about a great victory that day.”
Spiritual workout
It’s more than likely that Eleazar knew that verse would be written before he even picked up his sword. He knew God would equip him to win the battle. Not only was this man physically strong, but he was spiritually strong. I’d say he spent a lot more time with God than he did at the Gym and that devotion was the sole factor in the victory.
The fact that the Israelites retreated probably says more about their lack of faith in God than it would about their ability to defeat the Philistines. If they had the spiritual strength of Eleazar, they could have defeated the enemy 10 times over since it wasn’t a matter of how strong they are but how strong their faith is.
The battle is won
Often, we think that we can just work on our relationship with God later and keep pushing it back until we need it, as if God is only useful when we need help. Spending time with God is the spiritual equivalent of going to the gym and eating healthy food so that you can have the benefits of living that healthy lifestyle.
On another point, Eleazar, didn’t stop when he got tired of fighting. As mentioned earlier his hand froze to the sword as he kept on fighting. I think there is a lot to be said about Eleazar’s perseverance in this battle. Often when things get tough, the first thing we feel like doing is quitting, but like Eleazar, we should know that with God, the battle is won before we even pick up our sword.
‘He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.’ —Isaiah chapter 40 verses 29-31
Jesse Moore draws from the Bible and classical literature for insight into life’s tough questions. He is currently studying at university to become a film-maker.
Jesse Moore’s previous articles can be viewed at: https://www.pressserviceinternational.org/jesse-moore.html
Jesse Moore draws from the Bible and classical literature for insight into life’s tough questions. He is currently studying at university to become a film-maker.
Jesse Moore’s previous articles can be viewed at: https://www.pressserviceinternational.org/jesse-moore.html