Working With God and Others
1 Chronicles 19:12-13, "And he (Joab) said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou (Abishai) shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will help thee. 13 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."
Today's verses are speaking of a cooperative effort between two brothers, Joab, the captain of David's army, and Abishai, one of David's mighty warriors. These men were very skilled warriors, but still had to cooperate together in order to be successful in their war against the Ammonites. The Ammonites had hired the Syrians to help them in battle against Israel, including 32,000 chariots. In addition to their cooperation Joab and the children of Israel needed to trust the LORD. They put together their strategic plan and then Joab says, "...let the LORD do that which is good in His sight."
They were successful in this battle, but do you think such would have been the case had they not worked and planned together? Do you think if they had not sought the Lord to bless their efforts that the result would have been the same? I certainly believe that Joab's plan is an example of how to succeed in life. Depend upon God, develop a strategic Christ honoring plan, and cooperate by working together as a group of believers.
We need to learn the importance of working with God and others, there is no other way to succeed! 1 Corinthians 3:7-9, "So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building."
May we learn to cooperate with others and trust the Lord as we seek to fight the battle for the souls of men who are lost and condemned.
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
QUESTIONS TO PONDER
1. Write out your plan for bringing forth fruit according to John 15:8.
2. How can you cooperate with another to help accomplish your plans for God?
3. Are you continuing to make progress in your Christian walk and service? Explain your answer.
4. What does your prayer life look like in light of seeking God's blessing upon your efforts and service?