The Lord Do That Which Seemeth Him Good
In times of desperation, look to God and trust in His power to act on your behalf.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, especially in seemingly desperate situations, as illustrated by Joab's faith in the face of overwhelming odds. He encourages believers to do their best while leaving the ultimate outcome to God, who is always present to provide help and reinforcements. Meyer reminds us that in our personal struggles and in the battle against evil, we must rely on God's power rather than our own resources. He reassures that even when circumstances appear dire, God is actively working on our behalf, leading us to victory.
Text
The Lord do that which seemeth Him good. 2 Sam. x. 12.
ISRAEL was arrayed against overwhelming odds. To human sight it must have appeared very improbable that Joab would be able to hold his own. However, he made the best arrangements he could; exhorted his men to be of good courage and do their utmost; and then piously left the issue to the God of battles.
There are times in all lives when the case seems desperate. How can we meet with ten thousand him who cometh against us with twenty thousand! Heart and flesh fail. What resource is there, then save in the flight of the lonely man to the only God? It is for God to act, since the help of man is vain.
In your personal straits. ‑‑ When patience is exhausted; when the last handful is taken from the barrel; when complicated trials meet and hem you in; when the iron gate and the keepers before the door appear to render escape impossible ‑‑ then look up, God is marching with reinforcements to your aid.
In your work and war for God in the world. ‑‑ We too often act and speak as if success were to be won by the forces that we may be able to bring into the field, whereas God asks us for nothing more than fidelity and the right disposition of such forces as we can command; He will do all the rest.
In your outlook on the conflict between good and evil. ‑‑ It is quite true that there appears to be an infinite disparity between the one and the other. But there are other forces in the field than appear. There is another host of which God Himself is captain. When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord lifts up the standard. "There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven to thy help."
Sermon Outline
- Facing Overwhelming Odds
- Personal Struggles
- Faith in God's Power
- The Conflict Between Good and Evil
- There appears to be an infinite disparity
- But God has other forces in the field
- The Spirit of the Lord lifts up the standard
Key Quotes
“There are times in all lives when the case seems desperate. How can we meet with ten thousand him who cometh against us with twenty thousand!” — F.B. Meyer
“It is for God to act, since the help of man is vain.” — F.B. Meyer
“The Spirit of the Lord lifts up the standard.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- When facing overwhelming odds, look to God and trust in His power to act on your behalf.
- Fidelity and the right disposition of your forces are all God asks for; He will do the rest.
- In times of struggle, remember that God has a host of His own that He will deploy when needed.