2 Samuel 10

Have your good actions ever been misunderstood? That’s what happened to David as he sought to show sympathy to the king of Ammon. The king’s advisors convinced him that David was merely seeking to spy out the land, so he humiliated David’s servants by shaving off half their beards and cutting off their garments at the buttocks. David considered this an act of war!

Therefore, Joab led the army of Israel into battle against the Ammonites. But the Ammonites had hired 33,000 mercenaries, and the battle lines against Israel were on two fronts. So Joab divided the army between him and his brother Abishai. Then Joab told him:

“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.” (2 Samuel 10:12, NKJV)

We will encounter adversity in this life. It may come in the form of misunderstanding, insult, persecution or warfare. What will we do? How will we respond? If we shrink back, the LORD will not be pleased (Hebrews 10:38). Joab left us here a gem of wisdom. We should be of good courage and be strong for our people and for the kingdom of God. If we will do this, then God will do what is right in His sight, and we can be at peace, knowing that we have done our best. We must not be anxious or fearful. Whatever alarming circumstances you may be facing, God knew this would happen, He is for you and not against you, and His grace is sufficient to help you overcome. Do you believe this? Then be strong, courageous, fight the good fight, and pray that God’s will is done. May He grant you the same victory that He gave Joab and the army of Israel!