“Shammah….stationed himself in the middle of the field, defended it….And the Lord brought about a great victory” (2 Sam. 23:11-12 NKJ).
Shammah was one of David’s heroic warriors. He came to a field that was a food supply for David’s army. The Philistines had moved in and captured it. The people ran away in fear but Shammah stationed himself in the middle of the field, defended the acreage all alone, and the Lord intervened to help him. The outcome was a great victory!
Shammah took a stand and refused to be moved. This could be the origin of the expression “stand your ground.” It is not easy to stand your ground when the rest of the crowd is running for their lives leaving you to face the massed and armed might of the enemy alone.
I once lost a job because I took a stand for a principle I knew in my heart to be right. Something was going on in the office that I felt was wrong, immoral, dishonest, and indecent. The office staff wanted me to participate in that activity.
When I explained my position of conscience, my superior discharged me. The victory in that situation was locating a better job – one that was everything I could have ever asked for. It was great!
Standing your ground does not mean being stubborn when the Church is moving forward or trying to prove to your mate that he or she is wrong. It is not being belligerent, hardnosed, or uncooperative. It is simply taking a firm position based on personal integrity.
It is saying to yourself: “I want to live by the principles of God’s Word. I am standing for truth and trusting the Lord to defend me and bring me to victory.”
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.