A very profound but obscure scripture has captivated me for many years. There was a mighty warrior in King David’s army named Shammah. This strong and fearless fighter was a part of a special force of 37 elite combatants called the Gibborim.
Shammah was brave, committed to God and loyal to King David. Even when the Israelites ran away from the massive numbers of giant Philistines, Shammah would stand alone and face the armies on his own. 2 Sammuel records this story about Shammah.
11…the son of Agee the Hararite. One time the Philistines brought their army together to destroy a crop of peas growing in a field near Lehi. The rest of Israel’s soldiers ran away from the Philistines, 12 but Shammah stood in the middle of the field and killed the Philistines. The crops were saved, and the Lord gave Israel a great victory.
No doubt, Shammah had a purpose and a calling. He was single focused, resilient and took his assignment seriously. Devoted to the cause even to the death if it came to that, Shammah never stopped until the job was done.
In this case the tireless, special trained soldier fought for the very sustenance of the people of Israel. He fought for a bean patch! The Philistine army assembled their military units together strengthening their prowess and weaponry to destroy the agricultural means of God’s people. God protected Shammah and honored him with a victory all the while protecting the lentils in the field.
I started thinking that we all have our own bean patches, don’t we? Hasn’t God given us all a mission? Something that he has placed us over as a steward. Maybe it’s your family, a ministry, responsibility in your job, a vision?
Satan purposes to bring opposition in our lives. To attack us with fear and intimidation. He wants to overwhelm us, overpower us with one blow after another. We must not let the size or roar of any demonic force to cause us to run, give up or give in.
I’ve often prayed for God to make me like Shammah. That I may be so dedicated to the ministry he has given and the family he has blessed us with.
As I look at the ministry God has placed me in (my bean own patch), I truly understand the heart of Shammah. Amelek amasses his forces against our God. He goes for the nurturing spiritual gardens that replenish the strength of God’s people. Though the enemy appears as a giant, the weapons of our authority are not carnal, and they are powerful to the bringing down of these uncircumcised giants. Join with me in prayer as we defend the bean patches that our Lord has placed us in. If the Lord is with us then really…who can be against us?
