"But you, be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded!"
Judah's prophet Oded spoke these words (above) to the faithful, reforming King Asa. Sometimes, we need to be encouraged to be strong--especially when we are engaged in difficult, unpopular, and counter-cultural labors. Asa would soon be dismantling more idolatry in Judah, and he needed God's (and His prophet's) helpful words.
What are you doing for Christ? Does it rile people up? Does this mean you should stop? No. Do your ministry faithfully, do it with as little offense as possible, but do it with a firm and unswerving commitment to your Redeemer.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Job the sufferer was more renowned than Alexander the conqueror." --Thomas Watson, in "All Things for Good"]
