CONTINUING WHEN THERE SEEMS TO BE NO REWARD

December 07, 2018

There are many times that we do our work, but it is hard or painful and it looks like it is all done for nothing.

• a couple pouring into a prodigal child, even though the child refuses to respond to their love
• a person investing in an unbeliever, although they continually reject the gospel
• a mate continuing to love and give to their mate, even though there does not seem to be love in return.
• the employee who faithfully does his work ""unto God"" even though he seems to be opposed and looked over.
• the one who is suffering physically and there seems to be no end.
• the pastor or ministry leader who continues to minister faithfully, although there seems to be only minor fruit.

The Psalmist writes of the Israelites who had been in captivity and now, after many years, were returning to their beloved Jerusalem.

Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. (Psalm 126:5-6)

CONTINUED SOWING

The great lesson is that we must continue ""sowing."" We must do the right thing persistently and faithfully, even when we don't see the results we desire. We trust in the law of the harvest: that if we sow, we will one day reap a harvest.

And, we must remember that all we are doing is for a higher purpose and Person. We do our work faithfully “as unto the Lord.”

THE PROMISED RETURN

God sees this faithfulness and will always reward. The results may not be what the sower desired in the way or the time they anticipated. But God's promises are bigger than man's rebellion or the world’s pressures. He will answer the faithful in time. He will bring them back with the fruit of their labor in hand (""bringing his sheaves with him"").

THE TESTIMONY

I often told my mother during a season when my dad was rebelling and leaving her for another woman, ""Mom, you just want to keep taking the next right step: loving, forgiving, confronting when God prompts, and leave the results to God. You want to lay your head on the pillow each night knowing you've done the right thing. And the person who does the right thing in Christ always wins.""

And she did. And you will too.

Also in Graceful Truth

LIFTING THE KNIFE BEFORE THE GOD-WHO-SEES

September 26, 2023

Everything in the life that God has designed for man is about faith. We were made to live on God and no other. Drawn away from this dependency, we flounder in useless pursuits, our lives missing the whole point of our existence.

Continue Reading

THE RESCUING HAND OF GOD

September 25, 2023

More numerous than you know are the moments when God has pulled you out of the pit by His compassion. Rescued you because of the pure grace of His mercy. Delivered you because of previous promises He has made, perhaps even to your own parents. Shown kindness to you that you did not deserve simply because of His great love and eternal purposes.

Continue Reading

A SETTLED LIFE OF SEPARATION

September 20, 2023

The beginning pages of Genesis give us the operating principles upon which God and man were to function. God, in mercy, provided a garden with every possible goodness. He intended for man to enjoy this perfect environment but, most importantly, to enjoy God’s continual presence. God and man and wife would walk together.

Continue Reading