Keep Running the Race

For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.” (2 Chronicles 16:9 NIV)

King Asa had a great beginning but a bad finish.  He relied on the Lord early in his reign.  He had a revival which drew many people to the Lord.  The Lord blessed him with peace in the land.  In his 36^th year as king he started to depend on himself and not the Lord.  He paid Ben-Hadad, king of Syria with gold and silver from the Temple to protect him from Israel.  When the prophet Hanani came to remind him of his mistake, Asa put him in prison.  Still he did not turn back to the Lord.  Later he got a foot disease and still would not turn to the Lord.  Sad ending for such a wonderful beginning.

Where are you in your spiritual life?  Don’t give up.  If you have fallen, get up and keep running to the finish line.

–Diane