Doing Hard Things

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Scripture
2Chr. 15:16   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.

Observation

Asa wanted to follow God’s commands but he inherited many problems within his kingdom. Unfortunately one of his problems was his own mother, who worshipped Asherah. In her enthusiasm she had an image made of this god created by human hands. Her influence upon the people had corrupted them, and doing what he must, he removed his mother from office.

Application

Sometimes following Jesus means doing something really hard. When Asa began to read the scriptures he realized that he was not being the kind of leader that he ought to be. He also realized that being a leader means sometimes having to do really hard things. One can only imagine how difficult it must have been to discipline his own mother. And yet, for the sake of the kingdom of God he was willing to do the right thing.

We all face really tough choices in life. There are moments when we are asked to do the hard thing and if it’s the right thing, then it must be done. God’s word becomes a roadmap for our lives and we are challenged to follow that roadmap, even when it is counter-cultural. That's what Asa discovered when he began to read and to study the word of God. It was convicting and he knew that he had to take action. 

Unfortunately, King Asa was tough on his mom, but then he didn’t follow through on other things that needed to happen to help transform the kingdom. Doing the hard things means consistency throughout, not just in one or two matters. We don’t have the right to pick and choose which laws of God we want to follow. That’s why it’s not easy doing the hard things.

Doing the hard things will lead us to a place of participation with our Holy God. Or, it may be that participation, or fellowship with our Holy God will challenge us to do the hard things. When one becomes so intimate with God, sometimes it's hard to tell the difference, but the result is the same. Our lives are changed and we cannot tolerate corruption. Therefore, we are compelled to do the hard things. 

Prayer

Lord, please help me have wisdom and strength to live and follow you in all things.  Amen.


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