“But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded.” (2 Chronicles 15:7 NLT)
I lay in bed unable to move, much less put my feet to the floor and walk. Radiation treatments zapped what little strength I had left. However, hope sparked in my spirit the day I received a phone call from a dear lady asking me to join a free exercise program for cancer patients. Since the nonprofit program was fully funded, it wouldn’t cost a thing. I looked forward to the day I could get up, get dressed, and participate in such a generous program.
The first day of workouts, the fitness instructor introduced me to an elliptical machine. It looked easy enough until I found the simple task of stepping onto the contraption to be a huge challenge. I adjusted my footing and started the uphill battle, but to my great dismay, I couldn’t even last 5 minutes.
Hopes faded and discouragement set in. To make matters worse, the 80-something-year-old cancer survivor on the elliptical to my left seemed to master the machine like a pro. This man twice my age could go a whole 45 minutes! I knew right then that if I chose to continue, I would have a long, grueling road ahead.
“But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded.” (2 Chronicles 15:7 NLT)
Thinking back on that day in the fitness center, I remember how impossible the journey felt. I also wonder how many times I’ve given up on something important because I didn’t believe I could last beyond 5 minutes. Maybe you’ve questioned your own ability to face a challenge before you. Our far-reaching goals may not be related to exercise, but the feeling of imminent defeat remains the same.
“I can’t even pray for 5 minutes.”
“I can’t even read my Bible for 5 minutes.”
“I can’t even focus for 5 minutes.”
“I can’t even stop worrying for 5 minutes.”
If any of this sounds familiar, I have good news to uplift our weary hearts. When we’re tempted to quit because we can’t envision victory for ourselves, God’s word to Asa in 2 Chronicles will encourage us to not give up.
Things were going well for Judah under the reign of King Asa. In fact, 2 Chronicles 14:2 tells us, “Asa did what was pleasing and good in the sight of the Lord his God.” He demonstrated the humble perseverance we read about in Colossians 3:23, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Still, it’s easy to grow weary when battles continue day after day resulting in baby steps of progress. Some days we don’t see any progress at all, even though we’re moving in the direction God told us to go. That’s why the prophet’s encouragement to Asa in the midst of all his hard work meant so much.
Under Asa’s leadership, the people persevered. They “earnestly sought after God, and they found him.” (2 Chronicles 15:15) The message to be strong and courageous, spoken through Azariah, came as they were returning from battle. Upon hearing this, Asa earnestly sought the Lord and continued the work God called him to do.
My battle with the elliptical machine may not compare to what Asa faced, but life after cancer can sure feel insurmountable. We each have our mountain to face, and God does not compare our challenge with the person to our left or right. He is with us, and he offers us his strength in our weakest hour. But we must make the crucial choice to set our hope beyond the 5 minutes. Not giving up will reap big rewards when we invite God into the process.
This month marks 5 years since the last day of radiation treatments for me. Today I am seeing the blessings of not giving up when the challenge seemed impossible. And I pray you too will find encouragement in God’s precious Word to take that one small step, knowing our Father is with you for the journey. When the enemy tries to discourage your heart, hold on to the truth. “Be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded.” Let’s pray together.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lately, I’ve been tempted to give up. I’m tired of fighting battles every day. I know you are with me, but I’m growing weary and feeling discouraged. Help me, Lord. Restore my strength and courage to continue the work you called me to do. The mountain in front of me may seem insurmountable, but with Jesus all things are possible. Help me to focus on you alone as I take one small step at a time. Thank you for encouraging me through your Word and giving me what I need to persevere. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Paul Bradbury
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If you've been feeling tired, overwhelmed, depleted, or just quietly wondering where God is in the middle of a very full life — this episode is for you. And honestly? It might be for me too, because I'm recording this in one of those seasons myself.
Today we're doing something a little different. Instead of going deep in a passage, we're talking about what to do when deep feels like too much — when you need less, not more. Specifically, I'm walking you through one of my favorite practices for weary seasons: handwriting scripture.
Not typing it. Not scrolling past it. Actually writing it out, slowly, in your own hand — because something happens in your brain when you do that. The words land differently. They go deeper. And over time, they become part of that personal library of God's voice that the Holy Spirit can pull from when you need it most. That's what Psalm 119:11 means when it says I have hidden your word in my heart — it's scripture moving into your long-term memory, where it lives and stays even when you haven't opened your Bible in weeks.
I'm sharing the five verses I wrote out for myself today — and why each one hit me fresh even though I've known some of them for years. This episode is part of our How to Study the Bible Podcast, a show that brings life back to reading the Bible and helps you understand even the hardest parts of Scripture. If this episode helps you know and love God more, be sure to follow the How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Thursday, 11 January 2024.
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