It’s simply true. When danger is imminent, most people vote for self-preservation. They run, they duck, they flee for safety. But there are exceptions. True leaders respond to stressful conditions and take the necessary steps to deal with the situation. Eleazar was a leader who chose not to run from almost certain death. Rather, he decided to stand and fight against a fierce enemy while the rest of the Israeli army sounded retreat and fled. History records that God used Eleazar’s magnificent efforts to win a great victory for Israel that day. Small wonder that the Bible labels Eleazar as one of David’s “mighty men.” It seems reasonable to say that Eleazar may have never known how great a warrior he was without this test. He could have run, but he didn’t.
“But he stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. The troops returned to Eleazar, but only to strip the dead” (2 Samuel 23:10).
Are you facing stressful, adverse conditions? Perhaps they are even life-threatening. Like Eleazar, don’t run. Stand fast. Trust God. He will give you victory.
The content of this article comes from “The Warrior’s Bible” (2014) and is copyrighted by Life Publishers International. Used with permission.
