As numerous intercessors converged on Washington, D.C. to pray, there were many others, like me, who were unable. That can sometimes make us feel less than, but yet we prayed in place where we were—in effective intercession.

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As his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike.  So it was, from that day forward; he made it a statue and an ordinance for Israel to this day (1 Sam 30:24-25)

From the comfort of my home, I watched the prayer gathering in Washington, DC.  It is said that over 300,000 people gathered to pray for our nation and to worship God.  It was an amazing sight to behold.

As I watched this wonderful event, my heart was divided.  I felt great excitement that so many had come together to pray over our nation and fill the streets with praise and worship.  Yet, a part of me felt sad that I wasn’t able to be present and in the midst of it.

What could I do?  I could pray.

I covered those present in Washington, D.C. in prayers of safety, peace, and strength. Instead of surrendering to that sad feeling, I chose to become a part of this wonderful movement, right from my home.

As I prayed, I was reminded of the story in 1 Samuel 30.

David had returned from battle to find his family and all his possessions had been carried away by his enemy. In great distress he cried out to God, “Should I pursue?”

“Pursue – for you shall recover all” was God’s response.

David, along with 600 men, pursued. Scripture tells us along the way two hundred of the men became too weary to continue in battle. They stayed behind, with the supplies of David and his mighty men.

Once victorious, David and the other four hundred men returned with their families and the spoils. Upon their return, David greeted those who had been left behind.

I can imagine how those two hundred must have felt. I was feeling just that way of watching the Prayer March.

They probably felt they had no right to the spoils of the enemy—after all, they didn’t press on with the other four hundred to be on the front lines of battle. They weren’t present when the enemy was defeated. They didn’t help gather the spoil. They missed seeing their loved ones dance for joy, knowing they were set free. They missed the moment of victory.

However, David, with a heart after God, saw it differently. He declared whoever stayed with the supplies would have the same reward as those on the front of the battlefield.

Scripture tells us, from that day forth, it was a statute and an ordinance. That means, it remains true today.

I find it interesting that in 1 Samuel 30:21, the Bible says, “When David came near the people (the two hundred left behind with the stuff), he saluted them.”

A soldier only salutes another soldier. With that very telling gesture, David enacted the law of spoils. Everyone shared equally. Those on the front lines and those behind with the supplies.

What does this mean for us today?

It means, perhaps you cannot go to the mission field, but you can financially support someone who can. You both receive the same reward.

Maybe you were unable to attend the Prayer March in Washington, D.C.  You may have really wanted to be there but could not. Will you miss out on the reward of that gathering? No! You were home praying. You watched and thanked God for what was taking place in our nation.

Therefore, according to the Word of God, you receive the same reward as those who stood on the lawn of the White House in prayer and worship.

That is a loving God! That is His plan.

Many times, those who pray most diligently and consistently cannot travel to the areas they are praying for. Those who stay behind and pray are just as vital as those who are able to step their feet on the land itself. There is no distance in the spirit.

God has many soldiers in the army of God. Those who go into battle and those who stay behind with the stuff – guarding it and keeping it safe. Yet we all have the same reward.

We are a body; not an individual. May we always remember that. May we continue to work together to bring forth the fulness of the plan of God for our nation and our world. Together we battle. Together we partake of the victory and the spoil.

Kim Potter is a writer and the founder of A New Thing Ministries, which sends a daily teaching to thousands of people all around the world. Her articles have appeared on The Elijah List, Charisma, Spirit Fuel and iBelieve.com. Kim’s message is one of hope. She speaks to the heart of those who have grown discouraged or disappointed by the circumstances of life, imparting hope. For additional information, or to receive her daily writings, go to www.anewthingministries.com (Photo Credit: Unsplash.)

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