May the Lord do what seems good to Him....

In 2 Samuel 10, we get a snippet of Joab's faith. By this point he's the head of the successful Israelite army and he and his brother are leading the soldiers into what looks to be a tricky battle. 

So, what do they do? 

Firstly they make some kind of plan and agree to have each other's backs, then Joab encourages his brother by saying this; 

"Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him.” 

2 Samuel 10:12 (ESV)

What a man of faith and courage! 

Joab hasn't been given the promise of a successful outcome, but he knows what he can do, he knows what others around him are capable of and he trusts that God has got a greater plan than he does anyway! It reminds me of the story of Jonathan and his armour bearer. In both of these events the men show extreme courage. 

They have no idea of what the outcome will be, but they have an idea and they ave a go. The scary thing is though, they're having a go could literally mean death! 

I often get scared or worried about doing things because it makes me feel uncomfortable, but the reality is, in most of the situations it hasn't been a case that I could die! Yet Joab and his brother, Jonathan and his armour bearer, the don't see the fact that they could die as much of a problem! They are more intent in protecting the people of God, of doing what the can and seeing what God is going to do in it. 

It could of been that the Israelites were beaten, slaughtered or even brought into captivity as slaves. They did not let what could of happened out them off though. I'm sure they realised the potential consequences, these guys have been in many wars, yet the go ahead, they know God has a great plan even if they don't. They trust that the little they can do will bring about in some way the overarching plan of God. 

Doesn't that faith stir you? 

What battles are you facing? Are you faithfully marching on? Even if you only have half an idea of what might work. Because, do you know what? - God has got it anyway! 

Even when we don't have a clue, even when things seem to outweigh or overwhelm us, even when we aren't sure if we are winning or losing, God has a plan. So do you have the courage like Joab to say, "may the Lord do what seems good to him."? 

It may or may not be the outcome you want, but rest assured it'll be the outcome God wants, so we can be of good courage for ourselves and for the people of God.