2 Chronicles 15:7 “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”

I once heard a recorded sermon on this passage that mostly focused on verse 2, and it made a real and good impact on me. Sometimes God tells us complicated things, but most often they are simple; they just need to be followed. This is where James 1:22 comes into play. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” As we follow God’s directions He will flesh them out, making them as specific as necessary, but we have to obey what we know now in order to get the next step. He rarely if ever gives us a detailed course of action in advance! In this particular prophecy, Asa wasn’t given details of what he was to do, but he was warned of the consequences of doing nothing, and here he is assured of the reward of obedience. I think that, like most of us, Asa already knew what he should be doing, but he needed a kick in the backside to get moving. The devil is a master at giving us excuses for disobedience, and we are all too ready to accept them and try to make them our own. However, that doesn’t cut it with God, who knows the motives of our heart and sees through every excuse. To go back to James, the only people we deceive are ourselves! God has good plans for us, but to follow them, the first requirement is commitment. If we make up our minds and hearts to follow Him no matter what, there is no limit to what He can do with us.

This is a very timely Word for me, because of recent events that have been discouraging. I need to remember that God can use even my mistakes and failures for good, if I fully release them to Him, and move forward as this verse says. Today I will be recording three 10-minute messages for CGN-TV Japan. He has shown me what messages I’m to share, and I need to be fully obedient, expecting His guidance and anointing, so that the Body of Christ may be built up. I have recorded such messages several times in the past, and I’ve been surprised to run into people in other parts of Japan who have thanked me for them, but it’s been a few years since they last called on me. God knows His plans for me, and I honestly don’t. I need to be expectant and obedient, not trying to make things follow my scenario but following Him faithfully, for His glory.

Father, thank You for this encouraging reminder. I do pray that all that is done here today would bless many, drawing them into closer, more obedient fellowship with You, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!