Someone has paid you a compliment…They have patted you on
the back and expressed their deep appreciation for what you are doing…They have
thanked you immensely for the impact you are having on others…Someone is ‘singing
your praises’.
You have humbly replied with a gracious ‘thank you.’
Now what? You can’t get those dear words out of your mind.
Maybe in your humility you are doubting the sincerity of their encouragement?
Maybe you are left thinking, “If all that is true, what should I do about it?”
Take heart, because King Asa experienced the same thoughts
in 2 Chronicles 15.
Things were going great for the Land of Judah under King
Asa. He was doing ‘right in the sight of the Lord’ and the Lord was blessing
and protecting Judah. King Asa was doing a good job, and God sent a message to
him through the Prophet Azariah~a message to encourage Asa to ‘keep up the good
work!’
Don’t you like getting those messages every once in a while
when you get tired or burnt out?
As Azariah concluded his message, he stated, “But as for
you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded” (verse 7). What motivating and encouraging words those
must have been to King Asa!
So much so that the very next verse says that, “When Asa
heard these words…he took courage.”
However, when I was reading this passage, somehow my eyes
read, “When Asa heard these words…he took charge.” I responded with “WOW! You go King Asa…” Then I realized my misread. But, when you
think about it, is there really a difference?
Maybe when we take courage, we should take charge~~take some initiative
and do something?????
I looked up the word initiative, combined a couple of
definitions, added my own little tweaks, and came up with this definition:
The energy and ability to take the
first step to get the ball rolling in an effort to improve a situation or to
bring about a fresh approach.
As you continue reading through chapter 15, you see that
King Asa did just that. He continued to rid the land of idols, and he continued
to honor God. God continued to use King Asa in a great and mighty way.
He acted on the encouraging words from the Lord through
Azariah…and did something with the energy and abilities God had given him!
What about you? Has the Lord used someone to give you a word
of encouragement? Then take courage! Or, should I say, ‘take charge’?”
My word of encouragement to you:
“But
as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”
You go girl! (or guy!)
Debbie
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