“But as for you,
be strong and do not give up,
for your work will be rewarded.”
2 Chronicles 15:7
Asa was king of Judah – a good king who “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord as David had done.” From early in his reign, he went to work destroying his father’s idols, expelling shrine prostitutes, and cleaning up the badly desecrated temple. He led a tough reform – and faced fierce opposition.
The prophet Asariah challenged Asa to remain true to the Lord and persevere, saying: “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” When Asa heard these words, he “took courage” and intensified his kingdom efforts with fervor. Even though Asa’s heart was fully committed to the Lord, he needed Asariah’s timely encouragement to continue investing himself wholeheartedly in God’s purposes.
Like the king, today’s words breathe needed courage into my spirit. How about you? Are you about to throw in the towel and surrender to despair? Has the heat from challenging circumstances or painful relationships zapped your energy to live in faithful obedience to God? Are you exhausted from battling the same struggles day after day with little or no victory? Do you feel like giving up?
“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” God sees you. He hears you. He waits to revitalize you with His strength, peace, and perseverance. So cry out to him. Ask your heavenly Father to encourage you in a deeply personal way, and then wait patiently for his answer. Remain true to the Lord and his work. Know that all you do (in word or action) for his name’s sake will be rewarded – both in this life, and more importantly in the eternal life to come.
Family LINK: This is a great verse for kids to know as they head back to school. Encourage them to start the school year strong and not to give up when the going gets tough. Provide some good rewards (incentives) for them to work hard in their studies and responsibilities. And let them know that God promises to be with them every step of the way.
