May 19, 2017. 2 Samuel 19-21

In Order. You Can’t Do It Alone

Have you ever felt alone? When a battle or trial is upon you and you are struggling to keep your head above the waves and you think, “I am utterly alone.” Yet at the same time, you feel as if you can’t call out for help because it is your battle to deal with, or it is between you and God?

Christians have an issue with admitting when they struggle, admitting that they need help, or anyone to hold them accountable.  We go through life thinking that we have to put on this brave face and try and put on this façade that we are strong and can handle whatever is thrown our way.  Well here is a wake up call for you…no you cannot do this on your own.  Yes you need God in your corner and to rely on him, but he is not the only one who is there to help you. 

Take David for example, in chapter 21 of 2 Samuel we find him in the midst of yet another battle. David is exhausted, and honestly who wouldn’t be, the guy couldn’t seem to catch a break from one battle to the next. But watch what happens.

15 Once again there was a battle between the Philistines and Israel. David went down with his men to fight against the Philistines, and he became exhausted.16 And Ishbi-Benob, one of the descendants of Rapha, whose bronze spearhead weighed three hundred shekels and who was armed with a new sword, said he would kill David. 17 But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David’s rescue; he struck the Philistine down and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, saying, “Never again will you go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel will not be extinguished.”

Can you picture it? In the midst of battle raging on around king David, he stops in the middle to catch his breath, wipe the sweat and blood from his eyes and face, and in that vulnerable moment, someone sees the opportunity to end him.  BUT, Abishai comes running in to protect his friend and king.

Now David is known as a strong and mighty king, one who most trembled at the thought of fighting, a man you would not usually be seen as weak or vulnerable and yet he was still human.  David had a group of men who fought next to him, helping in battle, aiding the man in every aspect of his life.  People he could turn to when he was feeling weak and vulnerable.

Next time you are in a battle or struggling, turn to a fellow Christian or your pastor and let them come to your aid.  We are not meant to do this alone.  We are the body of Christ.  Where one is weak so are the rest. Never be ashamed or embarrassed to admit when you are exhausted and needing that extra boost.  Everyone needs it at one point or another.