The Wilderness Journals

Labor of Love

1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV: 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.
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There I stood—confused and weary—ready to give up. I had made sacrifices so I could be available. I had given of my time, talents and efforts. But something was wrong. I felt as though my efforts meant nothing to them. I was there for them and they didn’t seem to care. I realized I was a new face to so many of them, but when I reached out, and they withdrew, it hurt. “Was this Christian love?” I sunk back into the furthest corner of the room and considered leaving all together. And there in the quiet corner, the Lord spoke. He reminded me why I was there—I was there to serve. He assured me that if I would joyfully serve them that my reward would come from Him. My eyes focused back on God, and back on others. My spirits lifted, and I served my Lord with gladness. Ministering to others can at times be very hard labor. It can seem difficult and unrewarding. Yet, God assures us that to give ourselves fully to His work is a labor of love that will never be in vain.