“And Amaziah said to the man of God, ‘But what shall we do about the hundred talents that I have given to the army of Israel?’ The man of God answered, ‘The Lord is able to give you much more than this.'” – 2 Chronicles 25:9

Sometimes we can get pretty far down the wrong road before we realize it! However, it’s never too late to turn around and get back on the right road! King Amaziah was going to war. To strengthen his army (in his mind), he spent a fortune to hire an army of mercenaries. That was NOT God’s will.

God warned the king that He wasn’t with those troops. He was only with Amaziah and his army. Amaziah needed to fire his mercenaries in order to please God. Amaziah had made a terribly expensive mistake! To his credit, he didn’t charge forward with his mistake. He accepted that it was better to get off the ungodly path he was on than to protect his reputation by continuing forward with his original plan.

If/when you find yourself in Amaziah’s situation, what will you do? If you suddenly realize that you’ve put your time, treasure, energy, and reputation into something that isn’t God’s will, are you able to admit it and radically change course? Are you willing to forfeit your investment to get back into God’s will? Or do you find it difficult to admit mistakes, let go of time and treasure that’s already been spent, and change course? Reflect on these questions today, so you can more fully #FollowJesus every day.

“He said, ‘Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ Then Elisha prayed and said, ‘O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.’ So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” – 2 Kings 6:16-17

One lesson the Bible teaches is that there is always a deeper spiritual reality that we’re seldom able to see. God is always on His throne, though we can’t see Him. Jesus is always at His side, though we can’t see Him. Angelic choirs, messengers, and armies are always active, though we usually can’t see them. A spiritual war (already won by Jesus) is raging, which we usually can’t see either.

Our thoughts and feelings are so driven by our five senses that we seldom give much thought to what the deeper spiritual reality of a situation may be. We can easily fall into despair when things don’t appear to be going well. And yet, we don’t know what God may be doing in that situation. We usually don’t consider what Jesus may be accomplishing in our lives through that difficult situation.

We tend to assess our chances of success based solely on earthly resources without considering what the resources of God could accomplish. Always remember that there is a deeper spiritual reality. You may not see it, but you can absolutely tap into it through prayer. When things are difficult, lean on the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to intervene in your situation, no matter how hopeless it may appear. And resolve to always #FollowJesus

“He went up from there to Bethel, and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!” And he turned around, and when he saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. And two she-bears came out of the woods and tore forty-two of the boys.” – 2 Kings 2:23-24

What a stunning reminder that God can always and abundantly take care of His people! Don’t be afraid of human opposition. Don’t worry about what people may think or say about you as you serve the Lord. Be willing to be made fun of for Jesus. Be confident that God has always got your back! God is always with His servants and He will honor you if you’re faithfully following Jesus. Even if nobody else honors you for it.

Of course, it’s also a really terrible idea to make fun of godly people (even the bald ones)! Simply #FollowJesus

“How long will you judge unjustly
and show partiality to the wicked?  
Give justice to the weak and the fatherless;
maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.
Rescue the weak and the needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
– Psalm 82:2-4

These verses are an elegant, though blunt, reminder of what God expects from leaders, particularly those impressed with themselves and their power. THIS is God’s standard. Remember these words as we celebrate a milestone in our nation’s history. Remember them when political ads choke the airwaves during the second half of this year. Do not compromise on these standards, especially when it comes to your favorite party or candidates!

God gives authority to human leaders for them to use it justly. God expects earthly leaders to pursue justice, to punish the wicked, to defend those who have no other defender, and to care for and help those in need. That is what God expects in our leaders. Be sure to demand the same things! #FollowJesus