7 But as for you, be strong and do not give up, FOR YOUR WORK WILL BE REWARDED.’
7 “But it’s different with you: Be strong. Take heart. PAYDAY IS COMING!” 2 Chronicles 15 The Message MSG
6 There were external wars and internal fighting of city against city, for God was plaguing them with all sorts of trouble. 7 But you men of Judah, keep up the good work and don’t get discouraged, for you will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15 TLB
Another day, another King, another battle and God’s message, ‘DON’T GET DISCOURAGED (one of those ‘dis’ words, don’t entertain them!), FOR YOU WILL BE REWARDED’.
Johnny Enlow believed the Lord spoke to him about the ‘Adverse Times’ we’re living in and have already lived through for the past three years. The Lord told him that Champions were being produced now for the Kingdom of God. Special Forces soldiers ARE TRAINED to endure very harsh conditions and they often feel unable to continue, but something kicks in when they refuse to give up. That’s what the prophet Azariah said to King Asa as he returned from victory in battle.
2 Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God. 3 He removed the foreign altars and the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. 4 He commanded Judah to seek the Lord, the God of their ancestors, and to obey his laws and commands.
Asa did what was right in the Lord’s sight. He also prepared to defend Judah from attack by building up its defences. HE PLAYED HIS PART AND TRUSTED GOD FOR HIS HELP. WHEN THE TIME CAME!
Then a great army led by Zerah the Cushite came to attack Judah.
11 Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, ‘Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, Lord our God, for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. Lord, you are our God; do not let man PREVAIL AGAINST YOU.’
Asa didn’t say, ‘Do not let man prevail against US, but do not let man prevail against YOU, GOD’. He made this battle the Lord’s and God gave them a mighty victory, once again over a more powerful enemy. Once again quoting Amanda Grace, ‘Involve the Lord as soon as possible’, in your personal struggles.
15 The Spirit of God came on Azariah son of Oded. 2 He went out to meet Asa and said to him, ‘Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. THE LORD IS WITH YOU WHEN YOU ARE WITH HIM. If you seek him, he will be found by you, … 7 But as for you, be strong and DO NOT GIVE UP, FOR YOUR WORK WILL BE REWARDED.’ 2 Chronicles 15
IMMANUEL, GOD IS WITH US TODAY!