Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the Lord do what is good in His sight.
— 1 Chronicles 19:13
AS JOAB AND THE ARMIES of Israel prepared to fight the Ammonites, the Syrians came up behind them. Joab realized they had fallen into a trap. With enemies before them and enemies behind them, Joab decided that he and his brother, Abishai, would divide the army into two regiments.
Then Joab gave this exhortation to Abishai. In essence, he was saying: “Be courageous, and we will leave the consequences with the Lord. We will do our best and then commit the rest.”
GOD DOESN’T REQUIRE THAT I DO THE VERY BEST, ONLY MY VERY BEST.
We often excuse ourselves from serving the Lord because of our inadequacies. We leave the battle because we know that others are more qualified or more talented and could do the job better. But God doesn’t always call the most qualified person to do His work. He is not always looking for ability, just availability.
When faced with overwhelming odds, we need to remember the words Joab spoke to his young brother: “Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the Lord do that which is good in His sight.” KJV
Do your best and commit the rest.
Lord, forgive us for the many times we have surrendered without even engaging in battle. May we respond to your love by doing our best for You.
Amen.