“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. He put the rest of the men under the command of Abishai his brother and deployed them against the Ammonites. Joab said, ‘If the Arameans are too strong for me, then you are to come to my rescue; but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come to rescue you. 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.’ Then Joab and the troops with him advanced to fight the Arameans, and they fled before him. When the Ammonites realized that the Arameans were fleeing, they fled before Abishai and went inside the city. So Joab returned from fighting the Ammonites and came to Jerusalem. After the Arameans saw that they had been routed by Israel, they regrouped. Hadadezer had Arameans brought from beyond the Euphrates River; they went to Helam, with Shobak the commander of Hadadezer’s army leading them.”—2 Samuel 10:9–16 (NIV)

In today’s devotional, we can learn valuable lessons from Joab, a commander in David’s armies on how to fight the battles we all face. His approach to battle offers three key takeaways:

1. Have a Strategy: Joab didn’t rush into battle blindly. He carefully positioned his best troops against the strongest enemy and devised a backup plan in case things didn’t go as expected.

2. Establish Accountability: Joab didn’t try to handle everything alone. He entrusted his brother Abishai with a portion of the army, creating a support system where each could come to the other’s aid if needed.

3. Stay Committed: Joab’s actions were driven by a clear sense of purpose and responsibility. He wasn’t just fighting for himself but for his people and God’s glory, giving him a powerful reason to never give up.

Starting in verse 9, we read, “Joab saw that there were battle lines in front of him and behind him . . .” Recognizing the threat, he devised a strategic plan. The Scripture tells us that Joab chose “some of the best troops in Israel” to lead against the Arameans, while placing the remaining men under the command of his brother Abishai to face the Ammonites. This decision was both deliberate and tactical, as the Arameans, who were hired by the Ammonites, were likely the stronger force.

Joab’s leadership shines through his willingness to confront the greatest challenge directly rather than delegating it to his brother, Abishai. By leading Israel’s elite troops against the most formidable enemy, he demonstrated inspiring courage and leadership. However, a great strategy isn’t always enough, because things don’t always go according to our plans. This is where community and accountability come in. 

Despite his leadership role and tactical strategy, Joab didn’t presume an easy victory. Instead, he acknowledged the possibility of being overpowered by the enemy, so he devised a flexible strategy to account for that. He tells Abishai, “If the Arameans are too strong for me, then you are to come to my rescue; but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come to rescue you.” Joab’s balance of confidence and humility are true marks of experienced leadership.

No position of leadership is beyond the need for wise counsel and accountability. Whatever battle you face today, let today’s Scripture serve as a reminder that even the greatest leaders rely on the support and wisdom of others. Believing you can fight alone is a trap the enemy wants you to fall into. True strength comes from recognizing that we’re better together.

Lastly, make it a habit to remind yourself (through worship and the Word of God) why you fight in the first place. Even in the face of a daunting enemy, Joab encouraged his brother Abishai with these powerful words: “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.”

When our battle plans fall apart—when others lose heart, abandon their faith, or give up the fight —what keeps us anchored? It’s the love of God in Christ Jesus. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV), and He’s promised us: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV).

Pause: Can you identify a person (including yourself) who has a good battle plan?

Practice: Start developing your battle plan today. 

1. Pray and ask God to reveal to you the enemies attack plans against you and make note of what He reveals to you. Here are some examples of what that might look like:
   • Interpersonal conflict with coworkers, friends, spouse, children, in-laws, etc.
   • Selfish usage of your time
   • Never feeling satisfied and always chasing approval
   • Fantasy thinking (e.g., greed, lust, pride, etc.)

2. Pray and ask God for wisdom in developing a strategy against these attacks.

3. Invite trusted individuals into your strategy and share with them what God revealed to you in steps 1 & 2. If you don’t have someone, reach out to the elders/deacons at the church you attend and express your desire for community and accountability.

4. Do as Romans 12:2 (NIV) instructs us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Pray: God, I thank You that You go with me, before me, and behind me in battle. I thank You that You’re aware of the schemes of the enemy and reveal them to me. I thank You that I have brothers and sisters who are willing to stand by my side in the battle. I pray for victory in my battles, not only for myself, but for my brothers and sisters and for Your glory. Amen.