No Labor for God is In Vain

“Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].” 1 Corinthians 15:58 AMP

For the past few months, I’ve been feeling a little frustrated and defeated with one particular ministry where I serve. And, what’s worse, I’m the director of this demographic-based ministry and have been for the past 4 years. I’ve consistently kept it in prayer, trying to figure out what God wants us to do here. To no avail, I’ve been trying to make sense of (what I considered) its lack of growth. For a while, we served “in faith”, believing that God would bring this new demographic into our church.

We directed our focus heavily to outreach. And, it has worked out very well to His glory. Still…I couldn’t help feeling – helpless. Like I wasn’t doing anything, and all our efforts amounted to nothing. I felt defeated, and thought, ‘Maybe my time’s up.’ I never want to hold a leadership position longer than God’s called me to. And, I didn’t mind stepping down to allow someone new who could take the ministry further, if that’s what God wanted. Funny, the enemy will always take any opportunity to plant seeds of doubt – by any means necessary!

But know this, whenever you’re having doubts & ask God for revelation, He knows exactly what you need and how you need it. I had no intention of going to church, but we had a visitor who needed our services in this ministry. So, Holy Spirit prompted me to go in and serve. No one else, just me. As I pressed through my feelings, I prayed and praised God for the opportunity to serve Him. When service was over, I walked toward the lobby and ran into the visitor and her daughter. I was surprised to see her in tears. Her daughter said she was emotional and truly grateful that our ministry was there to help her understand the sermon. Now, we were both in tears.

There are times in which we might feel stagnant in ministry because we’re not where we think we should be. But it’s been my experience that, in those moments, God will send a “messenger of reinforcement” to affirm that we are right where we need to be. Driving home, I heard God say, ‘One. You said you’d serve here even if this ministry helped just one. Didn’t you?’ Yes, I couldn’t deny it. And, I realized that what we do in this ministry; none of it is wasted. My friend, regardless of what we think, even if our work helps one (just one) to grow closer to God, then there is purpose. No labor for God is in vain.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for this amazing revelation. Thank You for Your grace and faithfulness. I’m grateful for Your lovingkindness and patience with me when doubt closes in. Today, I choose to take authority over any feelings of doubt and frustration. In the name of Jesus, I cast out the spirit of defeat and stagnation. I declare I walk in dominion and authority in every area of my life. Holy Spirit, thank You for wisdom, strength, and confidence to complete every God-ordained task in excellence that will glorify You, Lord. I declare that I am serving right where God has assigned me and His grace is with me. And, I will be so careful to give You all the glory, honor, and praise in Jesus’ name. Amen.