Your Labor is not in Vain

Your Labor is Not in Vain
by Lalenunat Johnson

Be Encouraged!  Your Labor is not in Vain in the Lord

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose].”
1 Corinthians 15:58 (AMPC)

This past Monday here in the United States, we celebrated Labor Day, a day that our Department of Labor defines as “a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country”.  According to the American Oxford Dictionary “labor” is “work, especially hard physical work, to work hard and make a great effort, and to have difficulty in doing something despite working hard.”

At times you may feel as if people do not appreciate, honor, or respect the work or labor that you do for them and the sacrifices you make.

Currently, I have been honored to serve the Lord by opening my home. Through the grace of God, two children were placed in my home to live under my care. This is after I had already raised my 3 biological children to adulthood, playing an active role in the rearing of my two grandchildren, and now holding leadership roles here at Katie Souza Ministries and in my local church.  Although it was a sacrifice to accept this assignment, it was the will of God and I am honored to do so.  However, this is not to say that challenges have not arisen, on top of the sacrifice of time, energy, and financial resources.

During this season, there have been times that I felt unappreciated and devalued by those that I sacrifice the most for.  This is not to complain, but to set a foundation for what I am saying here.  But, during those times I have fallen back on the Word, the promises of God, and my God-given assignment.  It is during those times that I have to keep my eyes on the purpose and be confident that there will be a reward.  My efforts and energy will produce positive fruit, both in the children I serve and, in the communication, connection, and positive impact with their parent(s), and in my personal growth.

We have to remember futile feelings of hopelessness or quitting are just that – a feeling, derived from emotion.  Feelings can be fleeting, and we have to purpose in our heart and mind, not to allow a fleeting moment to cause us to abort purpose.  Likewise, through our filters, we interpret actions and come to conclusions.  Those that we serve could very well be grateful, but we could be unable to discern that based on their actions, from their wounded soul to our interpretation, unless we look with spiritual eyes.  But even if they aren’t grateful, remember to stay encouraged knowing that you are doing what you do as unto the Lord.

When you labor, working, serving, assisting, or doing things for others, whether on the job or in your personal life, remember to do it as unto the Lord. Do not abort your purpose or your assignment. Do not be like Moses, get upset because of people’s actions, strike the rock (get angry and act outside of God’s clear and explicit instructions), and not be able to enter into your promised land.  Your promised land is the end result and reward that God has for you.

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
 Colossians 3:23-24 (NKJV)

Keep your eyes lifted to the hills from whence cometh your help. Your help comes from the Lord. Keep your gaze and your focus on the Lord – His purpose, His plan, and His assignment, and know that you will still receive your reward.

^“For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.  And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.  Therefore, as we have an opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Galatians 6:8-10 (NKJV)

Know that in due season (that is at the appointed time) you will reap your harvest if you faint not.  The children that you serve will grow and exhibit attributes of the Spirit of the Lord.  That coworker will realize that you are not out to get him, but that you were sent to help him. That financial need you have had up before the Lord will be met.  So, do not allow things to get to you and cause you to regret the assignment that God has you on right now. Stay encouraged, stay faithful, and keep on pushing.  Your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Be blessed today.

Have you allowed pressure, concerns, or feelings of being unappreciated cause you to consider aborting your assignment?

If so, what have you abandoned and what commitment can you make today, to continue on with your assignment?  Share below.

https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history

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