“And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David…He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.”
2 Samuel 23:9-10
Have you ever stopped to thank God for your enemies?
Have you ever paused to consider that God has faithfully given you an opposing spiritual force that seeks to destroy you?
Why should we thank God for our enemies?
Because without them you’d have no idea of your individual strengths and weaknesses…there would be nothing to fight FOR or AGAINST.
You’d certainly have no need for God,
His power, or His Word.
Enemies prove your condition and help develop your fighting spirit.
Did you read about Eleazar the Alohite and how he fought against the Philistines?
He had an enemy and a sword…
Just like you, dear Christian.
Your sword is the Word of God.
(Ephesians 6:17)
– Do you read it and wield it against the principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places?
– Have you resolved that no matter how weary you get, your hand will cling to that sword of Truth until the Lord delivers a great victory?
Just as important, do you surround yourself with people who are skilled warriors in the Word?
Eleazar was one of David’s mighty men for a reason:
He kept his grip on his sword until the last Philistine had fallen…now THAT’S a warrior.
“Lord, help me develop a strong grip like Eleazar. May the Word of God always be my first weapon of choice. Help me wield it UNTIL my victory comes, AFTER my victory comes, and even unto my dying breath.”
dailyarmor.blog 
This is a good series Eric! You make a valid point regarding our enemies; they certainly do focus our need on God and His Word. It reminds me of my recent reading in Genesis; there was fruit to eat and fruit that was forbidden, a constant reminder of our Creator and our dependence on Him. May we always keep a firm grip like Eleazar on our sword – the Word of God!
Thank you. God guide and bless you today brother 🙏
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Thank you, brother! It has been a fun series to study and ponder. God always gives us a choice, doesn’t He? Like in Genesis, we can obey and dwell in sweet communion with Him, or we can disobey and suffer loss and consequences.
I’m still learning to obey…still learning that His way is best…still learning that mighty men of God aren’t made, they’re forged.
God bless you, brother Alan, have yourself a great day!👍🏻
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Eric, I like your thought that our enemies make us stronger, because they drive us to God.
I, too, am enjoying this series. I think it’s also noteworthy that David, a giant killer, led a band of mighty giant killers. Like begets like.
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Thank you, brother David. That is a good point, and surely those men were well acquainted with David’s amazing slaying of Goliath.
I, too, would have wanted to fight alongside such a warrior!
“Is there not a cause?”
(1 Sam 17:29)
Gives me chills! 👊🏻👍🏻👍🏻
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They do make us stronger. When one does or says something nasty, I can now say “bless you” because like you said they are just driving me right into the arms of Jesus, where my strength comes from. Their plan is backfiring!
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