Don't Try to Pre-program God

READ: 2 Samuel 9-10

In Chapter 10 David sends Joab and his army out to fight the Ammonites and the other nations they have hired as mercenaries. The size of the enemy's army is huge and Joab knows he’ll have to divide his forces. So he sends his brother Abishai out in charge of the group fighting the Ammonites and he himself leads the fight against the Ammonites. Then he says to Abishai: “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come and help you. 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.” (11-12)

Notice the plan. We will do what we have been called to do with courage and faith. We will fight the good fight…and…we’ll leave the results to the Lord. In other words, God’s response is totally up to God and His plan and purpose. Our responsibility is to fight.

Joel said much the same thing in calling the people to repentance before the Lord. He told them to “return with all your heart” and “rend your hearts and not your garments.” Then he reminded them of who God is in grace and mercy and steadfast love and forgiveness. Finally, he closes with these words, “Who knows whether he will not turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind him, a grain offering and a drink offering for the Lord your God?” Who knows? In other words, God’s response is totally up to God and His plan and purpose. Our responsibility is to repent.

You and I must learn to do all that God has called us to do and leave the results to Him. He is in charge. His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts than our thoughts. Don’t try to pre-program God.

Prayer: Father, help us to be faithful and do your will. Help us not to expect a certain response from you in every situation but to have courage and faith that you will act according to your grace, mercy, steadfast love…according to all that you are.