David's Mighty Men and You

Have you ever been in a tough place? Wow! Most of us have at some point in our lives. Tough places can fall into a wide category of possibilities like: financial, marriage and family, health-physical or emotional, relationships, employment, and anything associated with these areas. Wow, indeed!

There was an ancient king who lived on the “edge” for many years, King David. His life and legacy led to the establishment of the people of God as more than just scattered tribes, but ultimately, as a national kingdom. We can learn so much from reading about his life.

King David was a man of war. After all, he was responsible for preserving the line of Judah through whom the Christ child would come. God promised him he’d always have an “heir” on the throne (1 Kings 8:25, NASB). Fast-forward many years and we see King Jesus fulfilling that promise.

So, what does all that have to do with you and me today? I am so glad you asked! David had a “rag-tag” militia prior to his second anointment as king over Israel. Those men were warriors, par-excellent. We do not wage our warfare in the realm of the natural, but we do wage war. Our battles are fought, and won, through prayer and intercession.

1 Chronicles 11 describes the Israelites coming to make David king over them. It also introduces us to David’s mighty men. They were experts skilled in their craft. They risked their lives for David and the kingdom. They were fearless heroes. Their mighty acts both qualified and established them as rank and file leaders in David’s army. Their exploits are worth reading.

As believers, our warfare is conducted through prayer and intercession. Not everyone answers this call to prayer just as not everyone answers the call to come to Christ Jesus. For those who answer, the exploits done are no less than those done by David’s mighty men. They risked their lives for their beliefs and commitment to the kingdom of God. So today’s prayer warriors take on the risk of spiritual battle on a regular basis. They don’t complain about the intense heat of warfare or the battle scars they may sustain. That doesn’t mean they don’t have them or that they never suffer loss. They simply understand their assignment and press forward.

They “fight” on their knees. They rule and reign from a posture of love and humility before their King, Jesus. They labor long and hard to hear His voice and study His Word. It is from this vantage point that they receive instructions for prayer and intercession. These are the true heroes of our day. These, just like David’s mighty men, wield the “Sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17) to advance the Kingdom of God. Jesus said it this way, “The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force” (Matthew 11:12, NASB).

God is calling us to be “violent” in the realm of the spirit today. Will you answer that call? Will you wage warfare on your knees? Will you say yes to the King of kings? He has provided everything needed for victory and success. Let your “Yes” resound in the spirit realm! Be one of God’s “mighty men (women) of valor” in this season. The stakes are just as high today as they were for King David. King Jesus has provided a heavenly host, an angel army, to go before you. Just say yes to Him. He is looking for “willing vessels.” When you say “yes,” getting through your ‘tough places’ will never be the same. Partnering with King Jesus in prayer will be totally worth it!