Chase The Lion | Stand Firm | Pastor Jamie Kemp

2 Samuel 23:11-12 NIV

Next to him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite.  When the Philistines banded together at a place where there was a full field of lentils, Israel’s troops fled from them.  12 But Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field.  He defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the Lord brought about a great victory.

The story of Shammah, one of David’s mighty men, is a powerful illustration of standing firm when facing overwhelming challenges.  When everyone else retreated, Shammah stood his ground, defended the field, and God brought about a great victory.

From JaKal’s traffic to life’s challenges, God calls us to hold our ground and trust in His strength.  There are times when we feel like we’ve tried everything and nothing has worked.  James 1:2-4 encourages us to consider trials as opportunities for devleoping perseverance, leading to maturity and completeness in Christ.  Even in our difficulties, God’s grace is sufficient, and nothing can destroy the treasure of Christ within us.  So stand firm and pursue God’s purposes, trusting that He will grant us strength to do.

Remember, even our wounds prove God’s grace is sufficient!  

What are you standing firm in faith for today?

James 1:2-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, (3) because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  (4) Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Discussion Questions

1. How do you typically respond when things in life aren’t going your way?  What does “standing firm” look like in those moments?
2. Read James 1:2-4.  How can we realistically “consider it joy” when we face trials?  What does joy mean in this context?
3. Shammah stood alone in a field while others ran away.  Have you ever had to stand alone for your beliefs?  What was difficult or rewarding about it?
4. What “field” is God calling you to defend today?  (Think:  your faith, integrity, a calling, a relationship, etc.)
5. Can you think of a time when perseverance through a hard situation made you spiritually stronger or more mature?  What did you learn?