But He (Eleazar, one of David’s mighty men) stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword.
2 Samuel 23:10
During colder months, I suffer from a condition called Raynaud’s (Ray – nodes’) (www.raynauds.org). My mom had it, as do a few of my sisters.
It’s not contagious or malignant. Just downright annoying.
When exposed to the cold, spasms occur in the tiny blood vessels in my fingers and toes. This disrupts blood flow to my hands and feet.
So, when a chill settles in, my finger tips become numb and turn a lovely shade of white and my nail beds turn blue…which effectively takes me out of the running for becoming a hand model. Oh well.
Gloves of various colors, textures and sizes are tucked inside the pockets of every coat I own. Most times I yank out a matching pair, but once my hands are cold, fashion and color coordination is of no concern.
Throughout the summer, I keep a sweater in the car for when I anticipate entering a restaurant or a movie theater where the AC might be set (in my opinion) to sub-zero temps and smite me with a blast of chilly air.
Those little spasms might begin and my fingertips will freeze up. Especially if my hands make contact with a bad mama jamma glass of ice cold water.
I’m rarely barefoot.
Heat bring relief. Once these little fingers (and/or toes) of mine make contact with hot water, they thaw nicely and I’m good to go.
This goofy extremity phenomenon reminds me of Eleazar, one of David’s mighty men. Not because I think he may have suffered from Raynaud’s, but because one of his hands froze to his sword in battle (NIV version).
He struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword (vs 10b)
Why? Though Eleazar was exceptionally weary, the guy refused to release his grip. His hand clung to the sword.
To the Truth.
I’ve been in battle, too. And am weary. But I’ve got a sword of my own, the word of God. Do I keep my grip on the Truth, even if those on my team flee the battlefield and I’m beyond exhausted or it results in a hand cramp?
Were a cure to be found for Raynaud’s, I pray God would still find both my hands frozen to the sword of Truth and my feet walking humbly beside Him.
Afterall… our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:29