Never Let Up Until the Work is Done

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.’” 2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV

In a story published over the weekend titled “Yared Nuguse Breaks the Indoor Mile World Record,” it was reported that Yared Nuguse is now the proud owner of a world record, the first of his career. He ran 3:46.63 in the Wanamaker Mile at the Millrose Games in New York to break the indoor mark of 3:47.01 set by Yomif Kejelcha of Ethiopia five years ago... After winning the bronze medal in the 1500 meters at the Olympics in 2024, Nuguse said he has more confidence. He went straight to the front, tucked in behind the pacesetter for the first half, and ran quarter-mile splits of 57.38, 55.91, 56.95, and 56.41 to set the mark. “I’m not afraid of the front anymore,” he said. “I’m willing to go hurt by myself if I need to…” Nuguse was clearly hurting through the final laps of the race, with the discomfort showing on his usually calm face. “I knew if I let up anywhere, they were going to pass me,” he said of his competitors. “And so I kind of was just like, ‘Don’t let up, not for a second after the pacer falls off.’”

And, you know, when it comes to not ‘letting up’ until the race is complete, you and I would all do well to follow the example of King Asa, the third king of the southern kingdom of Judah who ruled for forty-one years and worked hard to remove the widespread idolatry that was in the land--coming up under many challenges and opposition in his effort to do so as you would expect. After a great victory, the prophet Azariah confronted King Asa and urged him to not "let up" until there was COMPLETE victory saying, "But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." Asa responded to Azariah's encouraging words by continuing to purge the nation of idols, including his own mother's idol, demonstrating a commitment to fully devote himself to the Lord which resulted in a period of peace and prosperity for Judah. 

So, whatever it is that God is calling you to do today, be faithful, "be strong," and don't let up until you COMPLETELY finish the job my friend, even if you have to do it by yourself. Exposing, praying against, and removing the deeds of darkness in this world will never be easy but, when God is on your side, you can be confident that your work will be rewarded.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that, as believers, we have work to do each and every day. Lord, whatever it is that You have called us to do, help us to do it with all our might and with no fear of what man can do to us. Lord, help us to push back against the evil forces in the heavenly realms and to fight for truth and life, so that we will be known as Asa was… for doing what is good and right in your eyes. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!