Mighty Men - Tim Robertson, Ascend Summit 23

This week we have an opportunity to hear Tim Robertson's inspiring talk that was delivered at Ascend Summit 23 in February. We can't recreate the warm atmosphere of 120 men after they've sung their hearts-out, but we can still plumb the depth of Tim's message on Mighty Men.David’s Mighty Warriors - 2 Samuel 23:8-17
These are the names of David’s mighty warriors:
Josheb-Basshebeth, a Tahkemonite, was chief of the Three; he raised his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter.Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty warriors, he was with David when they taunted the Philistines gathered at Pas Dammim for battle. Then the Israelites retreated, but Eleazar stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. The Lord brought about a great victory that day. The troops returned to Eleazar, but only to strip the dead.
Next to him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines banded together at a place where there was a field full of lentils, Israel’s troops fled from them. 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.During harvest time, three of the thirty chief warriors came down to David at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” So the three mighty warriors broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the Lord. “Far be it from me, Lord, to do this!” he said. “Is it not the blood of men who went at the risk of their lives?” And David would not drink it.Such were the exploits of the three mighty warriors.
Ten Challenges: Show Up - Just like Josheb, Eleazar and Shammah, we need to show up and be present with those around us in moments of struggle or difficulty. We need to stand on the front line with them.  Take Your Stand - In verses 10 and 12, the three mighty men took their stand, they stood their ground in the face of the oncoming Philistines, but also when their own troops were retreating. These three guys stayed, they didn't run away, and God turned their defeat into victory. So, be confident in the king of kings who is in you.  Turn Your Excuse Into Opportunity - Eleazar persevered despite difficult circumstances. Despite his exhaustion, he stayed and fought, and God brought about victory. What are the situations and limitations that you face that bring about inactivity that you need to persevere through so that God can bring about victory? (Money? Time? Energy? A feeling of inadequacy or being afraid?) Be Relational - Josheb, Eleazar and Shammah, all served together. They stood NEXT to each other. They weren't acting independently. They served together not as Lone Rangers but as the Musketeers. In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, we’re told that “Two are better than one”.  Be Grace-Filled - Eleazar stayed and defeated the enemy single-handedly, but we see that he was gracious enough to share the spoils of war even with those who fled. We need to not write people off when they fail, but instead, extend a hand of both forgiveness and grace. Just like the story of Jesus and Peter.  Be Courageous - Shammah took his place boldly in the middle of the field. He wasn’t concerned in the face of the enemy! We're told time and time again to not be afraid and to take coura