Scripture: 2nd Chronicles 15:16-17
King Asa even removed his mother Maacah from being queen mother because she had made an abominable image for Asherah. Asa cut down her image, crushed it, and burned it at the Wadi Kidron. But the high places were not taken out of Israel. Nevertheless the heart of Asa was true all his days.
Thought for the Day: At staff meeting yesterday, we discussed this passage (a continuation from yesterday’s devotional) about King Asa. It’s a story about courageous change both individually and corporately, but what I appreciate is how the story doesn’t end with a perfect resolution. It’s still kind of messy, and though Asa is able to live his days in faith, the world around him doesn’t magically fall inline. Too often Christianity is portrayed as the guide to quick-fixes where all our difficulties end with everyone joining hands and singing Kumbaya. Maybe that’s the experience of some folks, but the rest of us find that faith is not a means of escaping the struggles, but a mixture of wisdom, encouragement, forgiveness and hope amidst this crazy experience we call life. For even in its craziness, there is joy and beauty to be found.
Prayer: God, I seek to grow in my faith, not as a solution to all life’s challenges, but to engage you and your friendship amidst all the experiences of life. Amen.
