There are times in our lives that we have to take a few moments, assess where we are, be honest enough with ourselves, and make the necessary adjustments needed to finish the task or to come out this time the victor—instead of the victim. I have been put in situations that have taught me that sometimes the truth will prove to be more beneficial than having a support group that’s really not up to the task. They love you and want to help, but they lack the will or even desire to work hard at doing something that was not originally assigned to them.
You know the story. David was a commander and while he was out winning another battle, an enemy had come into their camp, and had taken everything dear to him and his men. Arriving from battle they returned home only to find that their families were gone, and their camp was burned down. David—the leader sought the Lord for direction, and he was given the order to pursue after those who did such a thing, and without fail, they would surely recover all. Sounds good right?
So, they gathered their composure, and David, with six hundred skilled men of war—left the camp to pursue after an enemy who had destroyed their camp and taken their families. When they got to brook Besor—David realized that he had to continue to pursue across the brook, if he was to recover all, but he was going to have to do it with two hundred less men—than what he started out with. Now, the Bible doesn’t get into a lot of details, but what it does say is that the men were too tired to continue, and they were left behind. In other words—David had to make a decision to “Let Them Jokers Go” if he and the rest of the men were ever going to retrieve everything they had lost. “Come Hell or High Water”—somebody had to continue on!
There is nothing wrong with having a support team or having those around you who are willing to fight through whatever task is before you, but they must be up to the task, and be able to complete it with you. If not—they could become dead weight and a hinderance to what you are supposed to accomplish. I’m sure those two hundred men’s hearts were in the right place, and that they possessed the skills that were needed to finish this task, but sometimes that’s not enough. Sometimes that will be needed and then some. Some battles require skill and the zeal to press to the end and “Come Hell or High Water”—recover all!
David was marching on God’s orders, and he knew that God was there to help him fight yet another battle. But David also knew, if they were going to return with everything, he needed the right folk with him. If he was going to retrieve his stuff—he needed to “Let Them Jokers Go!”
I want to encourage you today—to finish the task assigned to you—whatever it may be. Don’t give up and don’t quit. Don’t be overly concerned with the numbers or with depending on support teams or groups to see you through. Truth is they could become a liability if they’re not up to the task. Use godly wisdom and “Come Hell or High Water”—if you have to let some folks go—“Let Them Jokers Go!” (Read 1 Samuel 30:8—10 KJV)
