Devotional Message

Sometimes, even when we feel like we’re doing everything right, we find ourselves feeling defeated, believing that nothing is working out, that our efforts aren’t moving the needle, that the difficulties we are facing will never go away. We find ourselves feeling frustrated and angry, asking, ‘Why am I still here? Why are things not getting better, despite all of the effort I’m putting in?’ During moments of this caliber, we want to give up. We assume that because we can’t yet see or reap the results, there’s no point in continuing. Our strength is diminished and we want to put our hands up and surrender.

But the words spoken to King Asa remind us powerfully: ‘Be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.’ Just as Asa faced the challenge of spiritual reformation in troubled times, we too face resistance when pursuing what is right. It is in the decision to continue despite setbacks that our strength deepens, our bravery shines, and our resilience takes root.

The resistance we feel on our spiritual journeys is warranted—when we don’t see proof of our efforts, we question our capabilities. We wonder if it’s even worth it anymore. We feel tempted to resort back to old ways. But what God promises is that sustained difficult work will always be rewarded. It might not come in the timing that we hope for and ask for, but we will always receive blessings anytime we do the right thing, seek God, or live in His image. The immediate results might be what we think we want, but the blessings that God is preparing to overflow us with will exceed whatever our limited minds are currently asking for.

Even if we don’t feel like our efforts are shifting anything, God always notices and values our persistent efforts. Each time you choose light and love, offer a helping hand, or deeply embody Christ’s character, God silently affirms your faithfulness. Even when progress seems minimal to us, God witnesses each step we take, and to Him, that is the ultimate test of true belief—living by faith and not by sight. Trusting in our hearts that when the time is right, God will deliver on His promise, just as He did for Asa after his commitment to reform.

Let’s Pray

Dear God, I’m at a point where I’m ready to give up. Everything feels too hard and too heavy, and it seems as though no matter how hard I work or how much effort I put in, things aren’t changing, leading me to believe my prayers aren’t being answered. I’m tired, exhausted, and frankly, struggling to maintain hope.

But I hear your words to ‘be strong and not give up,’ and I want to trust in your promises even deeper. Today, please give me the strength to keep going and to not let my discouragement stop me. Help me focus not on immediate results, but on the reward that you have promised will come. Show me today how I am on the right path, doing the right thing—so that I can continue to live by faith and not by sight.

Renew my courage and help me persevere, knowing that my work for you is never wasted or unseen. Thank you for the encouragement I know you will bless me with today. Amen.

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