Scripture: 2nd Chronicles 15:7-8a
“But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.” When Asa heard these words, the prophecy of Azariah son of Oded, he took courage…
Thought for the Day: The prophetic words of Azariah, to take courage, were very encouraging and resulted in Asa doing exactly that. And for Asa to bring about the dramatic shift that was needed in his own life and in the life of Israel, he would need courage. It was Maya Angelou who wrote, “Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage you can’t practice any other virtue consistently. You can practice any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage.” For anyone to strive for the virtues of integrity, faithfulness, righteousness or compassion, s/he will need to first have courage. Why? It’s because these virtues are constantly named in political speeches and religious fundraising, but they are actually rarely achieved because their real manifestation is not popular at all. Nonetheless, God desired for Asa and the Israelites to strive for these high ideals…and I believe God desires for us to do the same.
Prayer: God, you have inspired courage among so many amazingly faithful people. Gift me with just a little bit so I may endeavor to live the life you would have me live. Amen.
