“When Asa heard these words and the prophecy of Azariah son of Oded the prophet, he took courage. He removed the detestable idols from the whole land of Judah and Benjamin and from the towns he had captured in the hills of Ephraim. He repaired the altar of the Lord that was in front of the portico of the Lord’s temple.” — 2 Chronicles 15:8
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks had just won the 2021 NBA championship and was being interviewed courtside. Isaiah Thomas asked him to share about his past and the journey to becoming a champion. Antetokounmpo shared that six months before being drafted by the Bucks, he didn’t know where his next meal would come from. Upon entering the NBA as an 18-year-old, he made up his mind to do whatever it would take to provide a better life for his family. He committed to spending eight to 12 hours a day in the gym.
In 2 Chronicles 15:1-18, King Asa, upon hearing a warning from God about departing from Him and the consequences of that departing, made up his mind to do whatever it takes to stay faithful to God. He instituted new laws. He and the people recommitted themselves to worship. He even deposed his own grandmother who had set up and worshipped idols. His love for the Lord was so great that he was willing to do whatever it took.
If Antetokounmpo is willing to do whatever it takes to go from being a skinny rookie to a two-time MVP and NBA champion, how much more should we do whatever it takes to be faithful to the Lord? Trophies, fame and fortune will all pass away, but our relationship with the Lord and what we do for Him endures forever. Today, will you commit to do whatever it takes?
— Ikki Soma, Houston Rockets chaplain
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