"Play the Man"

2 Samuel 10:12 " Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good."

Here in this passage of Scripture we find Joab and his brother coming against two enemies that outnumber them from two directions. So they split the army between them and then Joab says what is said in this verse. I think some of the most shocking words to me is when Joab says "let us play the men". He knows here that he cannot defeat the enemy on His own. He knows that the job is to great for him and unless God comes in and works he will fail. But he doesn't just stand and wait rather he plays the man. He does what he knows to do and leaves the results to God.

When Joab says this he knew that he could die that day. He knew that he could have lost the battle and been defeated by the enemy. He was outnumbered by two enemies. He knew that only God could bring the victory. But in spite of all of this he continues to do what he knows is right. He "plays the man" does what he knows to do knowing that only God can control and win the victory for him.

How much I needed this verse this morning. If I don't know what to do or what the outcome of saying or doing something will be I won't do it. I want God to show me the end before I step out by faith and do what He has for me. Today I have determined that I will "play the man". I will do what I know to do. Do whatever God asks of me even if I have no idea what the end will be and leave the results to Him. I will no longer wait on God to show me the end before I move in the present.