God Never Wastes Our Service
“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.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
When asked to help with an unexpected task, how do you respond? What about when your role becomes difficult or lasts longer than anticipated?
A few years ago, while my church was searching for a new children’s director, I was asked to fill in during the interim. I’d held this position previously for five years but had stayed involved as a volunteer. When this opportunity arose, I felt the Holy Spirit whisper “yes” to my spirit.
But what was supposed to be two months turned into six. The burden of being a wife, mom, sister, women’s leader, writer, and children’s ministry director became almost crippling.
Yet, I knew God had told me to take on the role. So, through prayer I stayed strong and finished the task. God got me through that season.
During that difficult period, I learned the truth behind today’s verse. God is never unproductive or unsuccessful. Because I stayed in His will, my trying times proved effective. I gained important things—life lessons, more intimacy with Him, the privilege of helping others know Him. Whatever the result, He had a purpose and plan.
When my interim position ended, I recognized many reasons God had placed me there—including to help with our church’s added Backyard Bible School, which turned out to be a successful outreach event.
God will use every joy and struggle, every pain, sickness, miracle, and revelation in our lives to move us forward on His path for us. No trial, labor, or victory is ever in vain. Ask God to help you find rest in this truth: Your labor in Christ is never wasted.
Kristen Terrette holds a Master's degree in Theological Studies and served as a Children's Ministry Director for five years. She cherishes her Southern roots and currently lives 45 minutes outside of Atlanta, GA. She’s following her dream by writing Christian fiction during the day and being a wife and mom come early afternoon when the family starts to arrive home. She also serves on the Wholly Loved Ministries team, serves at her local church on the women's leadership team, and writes for Crosswalk.com. To see her blog and novels, check out her website.
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Originally published Saturday, 28 December 2019.
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