Strong In The Lord
Daily Rays of Hope #86
Stay Strong and Do Not Give Up
Based on 2 Chronicles 15:7 (NIV)
"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."
— 2 Chronicles 15:7, NIV
In a world of shifting seasons, chaos, and constant distraction, the call to remain strong and steadfast may feel overwhelming. Yet God, through His Word, continually assures us that our perseverance has purpose. The message in 2 Chronicles 15:7 is both a charge and a comfort: “Be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”
This verse was given to encourage faithfulness in a time when it would have been easy to give in to fear or weariness. The world was unstable. The people were often divided. And still, God promised that those who remained faithful to Him would be rewarded.
Anchored Amid the Storm
Seasons will shift. People may grow cold. Systems we once trusted may fail. But the mission God has placed in your heart — the vision, the assignment, the calling — remains secure when rooted in Him.
Psalm 125:1 reminds us:
“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.”
When turmoil becomes the norm around us, we are not called to adjust to the chaos. We are called to be a steady light, anchored in faith. Philippians 4:7 promises that as we fix our minds on God, “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Forsaking Idols and Distractions
To endure faithfully, we must forsake all that distracts us from God's voice. Idols are not always statues — they can be approval, success, comfort, or anything we place above God in our lives. The Word is clear in Exodus 20:3:
“You shall have no other gods before me.”
When our hearts are divided, our focus becomes blurred. But when we return fully to God, forsaking distractions, our inner vision becomes clear, and our steps are made firm. Hebrews 12:1-2 urges us:
“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus...”
Fixing our eyes on Jesus — not the opinions of others, not the shifting headlines, not the temporary highs or lows — that is how we remain strong. That is how we endure.
God Is With You in the Work
No matter what is happening around you, God is still with you. He is not surprised by the challenges you face, and He has already equipped you with strength for the assignment.
Isaiah 41:10 declares:
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
God doesn’t just call us to persevere — He walks with us through every step. And when we stay faithful, we have His promise: your work will be rewarded. That reward may not always look like earthly applause, but it will carry eternal significance.
Three Ways to Seek God’s Will and Walk This Scripture Daily:
1. Begin Your Day With Focused Worship
Start each morning by setting your attention on God through worship — not just music, but intentional awe and surrender. This guards your heart from idols and distractions and centers you on God’s voice.
2. Practice Purposeful Stillness Each Day
Take time daily to quiet your heart and ask, “Lord, what are You saying today?” In stillness, clarity returns. Use this time to reflect, journal, or simply sit in silence with the Holy Spirit.
3. Declare Truth When You Feel Tired
When you feel weary or discouraged, speak the promises of God out loud. Scriptures like 2 Chronicles 15:7, Isaiah 40:31, and Galatians 6:9 will realign your heart and remind your soul that your endurance matters.
Final Encouragement
You don’t have to fear the turbulence of the world. While others may falter, you have the unshakable foundation of God’s presence, purpose, and peace. Keep your eyes on Him. Stay strong. Do not give up. Your labor in the Lord is never in vain — and in due season, you will see the reward of your faithfulness.