Do you feel unappreciated? Do you ever think, "Lord, why should I work so hard as a Sunday School teacher (or whatever your ministry is) and no one cares?" I've been there.
Let's face it, to be effective, we must put effort into our work. Being human, we get tired - especially if we feel that our efforts go unnoticed.
We must realize that we cannot measure success in our work by earthly standards. What the world considers success is rarely what God considers success. You may feel that your ministry is not bearing fruit at the present time, but the future will show the true results.
The other day, our speaker at church quoted the following scripture:
"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 NIV
I had heard these verses before; in fact, I'd even taught a Bible study including this passage. God used this and spoke in a new and different way to me that day.
"Let nothing move you," in other words, don't quit for any reason. It doesn't look like anything is happening? Keep on keeping on!
"Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord." Hmm.... doesn't sound like the Lord is worried about us burning out! Giving yourselves fully means going all out - working with passion.
In the end, He promises it won't be in vain.
"But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ's victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere," 2 Corinthians 2:14 AMP
Through Christ we will always end up in a good place!
"And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint." Galatians 6:9 AMP
Remember the law of sowing and reaping. Our work sometimes seems only like sowing for a harvest that never comes. Yet, at the due time, the fruit is going to come in. Don't quit just before the harvest!
One last thought, you may be called to a work that is not "in the ministry." You are to still work just like you are working for God. God also calls people to be doctors, lawyers, teachers, carpenters, and yes, homemakers as well.
In fact, if you belong to the Lord, whatever occupation you are in at the present time is an opportunity to work for God. Do your job with excellence. Don't slack off. You'll be glad later that you persevered.
Do you have Words to Stand On that you'd like to share? Leave a link to your post or your thoughts in the comments. I'd love to hear your insights.
Dear Jerri: How appropriate for today's stressful life. It is always good to know how God works in the lives of His children. We can rest on His promises that if we are faithful to our calling, He will reward us in due time.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work. It is food for the soul!
Love: Doris L.
Jonesboro, IL.
I love this message and I preach it often. I preach it to encourage friends, to instruct my children and mostly to myself so I do not loose sight of what He has called me to do. Thank you for encouraging me.
ReplyDeleteAlways, always need encouragement to keep going - to not give up!
ReplyDeleteEspecially with my boys - I cannot see it, but I trust that God is working in them, that He is planting His Word in them through me and one day the harvest will be wonderful. I have to trust!
Thanks for these Words to stand on.
Ohhhhhhhhhh Jerri! How could you CONVICT me this way? Oh... t'wasn't you! Sorry... Sometimes I really do wonder what in the world I think I'm doing! I KNOW I'm working for the Lord... but I also know I'm not doing my best... How HARD it can be sometimes...
ReplyDelete