Don’t Stop!
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, 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.”
I am blessed to be surrounded by a family that serves. Besides my husband and I being in ministry, our children and their spouses serve in ministry, in teaching and as assistant fire chief – a public servant in our community. I have watched them give their time, talents, and energy pouring into the lives of people – helping them in any way that they can.
My family is not the only people to serve. We are surrounded by people in our community and in our world that love God and love people.
Paul wrote in I Corinthians 10:31, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” As Christians, Paul instructs us to live in such a way that it brings glory to God and points people to Jesus. No matter your profession, whether a minister, a teacher, a public servant, doctor, a nurse, a homemaker, etc., we should do it all as unto the Lord.
But even though we live our lives as unto the Lord, if we are honest with one another, there are seasons in life where we wonder if we are really making a difference.
It is as if we give, love, serve, and sacrifice only to feel like we are simply beating our heads up against the wall, never seeing any impact at all. And sadly, it is in times like these that if we are not careful, we succumb to weariness, and want to throw up our hands and give up.
The Bible tells us that Paul wrote to the church at Corinth to encourage them, telling them that “…your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” Hebrews 6:10 says, “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”
Our grandson, KB, is one of the most empathetic, enthusiastic, outgoing little boys you will ever meet. He gets so excited for his family and friend’s triumphs that you would think he was the one scoring the big win. And if he thinks that you are upset, down, or not feeling well, he will be your biggest encourager and cheerleader.
Just like KB, I want to encourage you and cheer you on. God sees and knows what you do every single day. He sees your acts of service, your humanity and kindness that you do in the name of Jesus. God has a record of it all. You are reaching and accomplishing more than you know. You are making a difference.
To the Pastors and wives – don’t give up! Keep loving God and loving people. Your reward is eternal.
To the teachers – keep giving your best. You are impacting the lives of those children.
To our firefighters, police officers, EMTs, doctors and nurses - your wisdom, knowledge, and hands that help to protect, rescue, and heal make all the difference in the world to that one that needs you in their moment of crisis.
To our Veterans and those that are serving in the military - you have and are making a difference. You and your families sacrifice(d) for our freedoms and for that we are grateful.
To the moms and dads working hard to provide for your family – you are doing a wonderful job! Keep loving God and loving your family. You are setting the course for generations to come.
To all of you - Don’t stop! You keep going! Your labor is not in vain!
