When there’s no fruit for your labor in the Lord’s work don’t give up, look up and live up to His calling. Once you become aware of it, it can be simple to do. Like at work you see a dirty sink take a minute and clean it. When you are around people grumbling and complaining you can bring up something positive into the conversation. Remind everyone of the good. There is good everywhere. Walking down the sidewalk, I picked up that piece of paper on the ground. See an older person walking into a building get up and open the door for them. Speak kind words to someone not feeling well. We have to make an effort to look for these little things. If we don’t we might miss those opportunities. It brings joy to people, to yourself and to our Father in heaven. The highest form of doing good is to teach the words of Jesus. But we must also show love for people in the way we live among them. Loving them where they are, as they are. We don’t want them to stay where they are but, God will do the changing if they open their hearts. We are to love, teach and let God do His work. Part of doing good is the help that we may be able to give, just a visit, a meal, clothing, a ride. What lasts for eternity is the Bread of Life. We need to help others, but He is the only way to fulfillment, satisfaction, and Peace. We do need to love others by sowing seeds. That is our calling. To plant the Word of God into someone’s heart and life then watch it grow. It depends on their heart. Different hearts (soil) respond differently to the sown seed. We just have to plant the seeds of love and faith. Be intentional. We will face criticism at one point. They might not want to listen or believe. Back off, live your life so they want your happiness. Don’t fall into the trap of just going through the motions- then it’s no longer a work of love.
We no longer have a vision for the harvest ahead when we try and do it on our own without relying on God for wisdom and strength and faith. We might push people away. Be patient. God will do His changing work in others. Don’t give up. Just like reaping a harvest. To reap we must sow, before we sow, we have to prepare the soil. Then plant the seeds, water, fertilize the seed and wait for growth. When there is a promise of a big harvest we can wait patiently. A farmer has faith in his crops that it will have a bountiful crop. And that’s the promise we have from God if we don’t lose heart. We don’t give up when it gets hard. It’s tempting to give up. The harvest is usually not immediate. 1 Corinthians 15:58 tells us if we don’t give up, we will be rewarded with eternal life.
DON’T BE A QUITTER
We will reap if we don’t give up. Where God has us now is not in vain if your work is for the Lord. Shine as lights in a dark world- we should be a positive influence. It’s good work given to God’s people. Your life may not be what it should be but it can be if we don’t give up, but look up to God and live up to His calling.
Florence Chadwich wanted to be the first woman to swim 21 miles from Catalina Island to the California Coast. She quit when she was ½ mile from her goal and did not no this until after. The second time she made it. She had confidence and achieved her goal. She didn’t give up.
God has the ultimate power of spiritual growth. It’s by God’s grace and work not human efforts involved in planting and watering. God sent us out to plant the seed. There wil be a harvest in His time. God will give the increase. God alone is the one who gives growth. Boast in God alone.
Building upon Christ is essential to grow in a way that is faithful to God’s word and purpose. God is using us for a purpose. Let go of the wheel.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
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