1 Chron 10:12
12 all the valiant men arose and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons; and they brought them to Jabesh, and buried their bones under the tamarisk tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days. NKJV
- Valiant, Valor, or Virute are all translations of Hebrew word 2428 chayil, which is the same word used in Prov 31:10 for the virtuous wife.
- These men swore to their own hurt and stood up when every one else was running (vs 7 shows every one else running & Prov 15:4 he who honors the Lord swears to his own hurt but doesn’t change.). Am I that kind of man? Will I stand up in the face of opposition, and inconvenience? God, help me to be a man of Valor living for you, regardless of the cost. Help me to stand my ground like David’s men. Whether the issue of Character is large or small, help me to be unmoving like his men, willing to stand when all else fled.
As sat reading today I was amazed at the things Paul wrote and the way he wrote them. While praying that God would give me a love for his people like that and that he would use me, God began to show me things. Things I am not ready for, things that made me feel in adequate for what God has called me to. I didn’t question God out loud but in my head the questions were there. As soon as I did Phil 1:6 seemed to stand out of the page. Along with two words from Phil 1:27 .
Phil 1:6
6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. ESV
- I am not ready for all God has for me yet, but he was showing me he isn’t finished with me yet. He will finish what he started. Two words that had been highlighted from a pervious reading from vs 27 were standing out telling me to STAND FAST. It brought up Eph 6:13-14 in my head. Which tells us to take up the whole armor of God so we can stand, and then when we have done all to stand, Stand Therefore. It just seems to give no room for quitting. Though things might not seem like all they are meant to be yet, God isn’t finished with me yet. If I keep standing God will keep working in me making me more and more like him. Will you keep standing? God has a plan for you. He is faithful to complete in you the work that he started. Whatever dream God has given you don’t let go. Keep standing keep seeking God and watching him do a work in your life as he continues to make you more and more like Him.
