Don’t Give Up

But as for you, be strong; don’t give up, for your work has a reward. – 2 Chronicles 15.7, CSB

Asa succeeded his father, Abijam, as king of Judah. The Bible says that Abijam “walked in all the sins his father before him had committed, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God as his ancestor David had been” (1 Kings 15.3, CSB). But Asa? He was not like his father. “Asa did what was good and right in the sight of the LORD his God” (2 Chronicles 14.2, CSB). He made changes to bring Judah under the rule and reign of God. 

He removed the pagan altars and the high places. He shattered their sacred pillars and chopped down their Asherah poles. He told the people of Judah to seek the LORD God of their ancestors and to carry out the instruction and the commands. He also removed the high places and the shrines from all the cities of Judah,… – 2 Chronicles 14.3-5, CSB

The Scriptures go on to explain that Asa later “removed Maacah, his grandmother, from being queen mother because she had made an obscene image of Asherah. Asa chopped down her obscene image, then crushed it and burned it in the Kidron Valley” (2 Chronicles 15.16, CSB). He fired grandma! But the result of all that Asa did was peace in the kingdom (2 Chronicles 14.5). His devotion was to the Lord. But that peace would be challenged as an army of one million soldiers threatened to attack Judah (2 Chronicles 14.9). Asa’s response was to cry out to the LORD and pray:

“LORD, there is no one besides you to help the mighty and those without strength. Help us, LORD our God, for we depend on you, and in your name we have come against this large army. LORD, you are our God. Do not let a mere mortal hinder you.” – 2 Chronicles 14.11, CSB

God responded to his prayer by routing the Cushites before Asa and before all of Judah (2 Chronicles 14.12-15). And yet, after all of this, the Spirit of God came upon Azariah to encourage Asa. Even after all that Asa had done and what God had done for him and the people of Judah, God still sent a word of instruction and encouragement to him. And God’s final words given to Asa were, “But as for you, be strong; don’t give up, for your work has a reward” (2 Chronicles 15.7, CSB). God reminded Asa to continue doing what he had been doing, not to give up or give in to the circumstances he would face, or the enticement to chase after other gods, as the people had done before him. 

God reminded him not to give up.

And I believe this reminder for Asa is the same reminder for us.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to walk with the Lord in a manner worthy of him and his gospel (Philippians 1.27) and the calling that we have received (Ephesians 4.1). We have responsibilities to carry out that we feel unqualified and unprepared for. Discouragement can set in. Insecurities can weigh us down, keeping us from moving forward. The long haul of discipleship can be exhausting and daunting, especially when we don’t see enough immediate results. It’s easy to throw in the towel and give in. But what does God say to us? “Be strong; don’t give up, for your work has a reward.”

In whatever place you find yourself in, and with whatever responsibilities you are responsible for, “be strong; don’t give up, for your work has a reward.” When discouragement sets in, look to Jesus. When insecurities rage, look to Jesus. When your sinful desires tempt you, look to Jesus. When you’re contemplating giving in to continuing in obedience to the Lord, look to Jesus. In your parenting, look to Jesus. In your marriage, look to Jesus. In your singleness, look to Jesus. In your work, look to Jesus. In your schooling, look to Jesus. In remaining faithful to the ministry and mission that God has called you to to make disciples of all people on earth, look to Jesus. Remember him. Rely on him. Walk with him, and don’t give up. And as you remain faithful to him hear his words of encouragement: “But as for you, be strong; don’t give up, for your work has a reward.”

Don’t give up. Don’t give up.