But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work. – 2 Chronicles 15:7
King Asa was a reformer for the kingdom of Judah at a time when a lot of change was needed! Faced with such an overwhelming task, many leaders would have folded. Asa did not. Thank God for those who courageously move forward, often unsupported, in the face of a difficult, unpopular task.
The one who leads any nation or organization through reform must be morally strong. Every character flaw will be magnified under pressure. The one who leads must also be willing to work hard. Reform requires visible leadership, a steady visible hand on the wheel for all who follow to see. Finally, the one who leads must believe that the work will be rewarded, even if it isn’t in this lifetime. Critics will abound and they will also be vocal.
Nations, churches, ministries, and families need such leaders today. If you cannot see one, then be one.
A person could stand by a swimming pool for a while watching people swim, walking around and around the pool observing. He could analyze why they take the risk, question whether it’s safe, and whether water can really hold a person up. He could scrutinize and dissect why and how others swim, study the properties of water in detail, and read stories of people swimming and others who drowned while swimming. But if after all that learning, he walks away and says, “Swimming just didn’t work for me,” it’s because he never dove in. You can’t swim if you never dive in. – John Burke
