“So when he had eaten, his strength came back to him; for he had eaten no bread nor drunk water for three days and three nights.” 1 Sam 30:12 (NKJV)
STRONG SERIES – PART 4
Human strength has its seasons. At times we brim over with it, and at other times it fails or is stolen, and we can feel weak and hollow. Thats why it's important to be connected with others, to have community and family. My husband and I often find that when one of us is feeling weak or challenged, generally the other feels the opposite and is able to lift the one down, up.
Strength is something we all have, but its also something we all need from time to time. It’s not meant to be kept private. It can be shared and given as a listening ear, soft shoulder, encouraging words, or just standing tall and still beside someone who is struggling to do so.
In 1 Sam 30, David and his army had returned to Ziklag to find the city sacked and the inhabitants, including his wives and children, taken captive. David and most of his men pursued the Philistines, and on the way came across an Egyptian man who had been left for dead. David stopped and turned aside from his mission to help this man. He gave him food and water, and the man who was nearly dead, destitute and alone, began to feel his strength return. And in turn, he was able to help David find the enemy.
Only 600 out of 800 men in David’s army went with him to pursue the Philistines. 200 of his men stayed behind filled with exhaustion from the the previous battle. After David and his men had subdued and plundered the Philistines, and rescued the captives, they returned with their spoils of war to the city. Some of the soldiers argued that only those 600 men who fought in this latest battle should receive a share of the plunder. David declared that the spoils would be given out equally to his whole army, whether they fought or not. They were a family, a community… they would not be separated by the weak or strong, but would stand together. Strong in community, not just individually.
Don’t keep your strength to yourself, spread it around. Keep an eye open for those experiencing weakness, or who are overcome by exhaustion. Feed them with hope and encouragement and watch strength return to their hearts. After-all, we’re all in this together.
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