2 Samuel 23:9-10 “Next in rank among the three was Eleazar son of Dodai, a descendant of Ahoah. Once Eleazar and David stood together against the Philistines when the entire Israelite army had fled. He killed Philistines until his hand was too tired to lift his sword, and the Lord gave him a great victory that day. The rest of the army did not return until it was time to collect the plunder.”

For the past couple of months now, I have really been wearied by my trials. Just as I was starting to get used to the “new normals of life” I was hit with even more battles. I have been having severe coughing attacks where it is hard for me to breathe. The pressure my body exerts while coughing, causes blood vessels to burst, which then cause me to start coughing up blood. On top of that, the fact that my one working vocal cord is now failing, has caused me not to be able to breath well when I talk and it basically feels as if I am hyperventilating. Oh, and did I mention that I started not being able to swallow my own saliva and so I have been drooling when I go to talk. Let’s just say that this is beyond humbling. To be honest, I have felt as if I am in a never ending war and my body, soul, spirit, and mind have been completely worn out. Sometimes, I feel as if I can’t go on. The fight seems too hard, the enemy seems too big, and the win seems far beyond my reach. I long for the rest, a “health body” would bring. I long to be able to eat again, and talk again, and breath again!! It is during these times that I have to cast my eyes on my Commander and Chief and remember who I am fighting for, what I am fighting for, and the fact that the victory will be far worth the effort!

As I think about soldiers in battle, a certain man comes to mind. This man’s name is Eleazar. I think we can learn much from just the few sentences that are mentioned about him in scripture. First of all, Eleazar stood together with David. This man was loyal. He wanted to be found with the people of God, fighting for the cause of God. Secondly, he fought when the entire army of Israel had fled. The other soldiers must have looked at the enemy and considered the fight too risky. They wanted the spoil, for we see that they returned to collect it when the victory was won, but they did not want to put in the effort of the fight. Too many times, I find myself like these soldiers. I want the blessings of God without the effort it takes to be obedient and fight for the Truth. I want the victory, withouth the bloodshed of battle. Eleazar, however, fought until his hand was too tired to even lift his sword. He perservered through the hard times. He didn’t only follow when it was convenient or when he was getting something, he followed when he had to give of himself. He fought for the sake of his king and his countrymen. This verse states that the Lord gave HIM a great victory that day. Do you notice that the great victory was not stated as given to Israel’s army, nor to the soldiers that fled, but to the man that was willing to fight.

My prayer is that I will be an Eleazar. I want to be found standing with my King, fighting the battle. Yes, I must admit that at times I find myself getting weary in the fight, but may I keep going. May I not be one who just returns for the “goodies” and then flees when there is work to be done or when sacrifices need to be made for the sake of the kindom but may I fight until the end for the sake of my Savior. When He comes, may I be found clinging to my sword, even if my hand is weary. I want to be one of Christ’s Mighty Warriors. So let’s stand together, weary soldiers, and continue to fight for the great victory is close at hand. Soon we will see the King we have been fighting for, and just one glimpse of His precious face will make it all worth it.

.