Scripture: 1Chronicles (NIV) 19:10 Joab saw that there were battle lines in front of him and behind him; so he selected some of the best troops in Israel and deployed them against the Arameans. 11 He put the rest of the men under the command of Abishai his brother, and they were deployed against the Ammonites. 12 Joab said, “If the Arameans are too strong for me, they you are to rescue me; but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will rescue you. 13 Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The LORD will do what is good in his sight.”

Observation: The Arameans hired the Ammonites to help them fight against Israel. When Joab, Israel’s leader, realized that he was surrounded, he divided his army into two fighting units. Then he gave them a simple plan to support one another and told them to fight bravely. Finally he acknowledged that the outcome of the battle would depend on the LORD! Reading on we find that the Arameans fled before Israel, and when the Ammonites saw the Arameans fleeing, they too ran.

Application: What a simple outline for me to follow when the outcome of my efforts is in question. I need to divide my time and apply myself as best I can. Then I need to walk in faith that God will bring about the best results.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I can move with courage because I can trust you. You will work everything out for my good and for your glory! Amen