“God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises…
“Hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:10-12,18-20
Industrious, fatiguing work and the outpouring of love are a vital part of the Christian life. For the Lord who gave His all to save His children, expending ourselves in service for Him and His sake is both duty and natural response of a grace-filled heart. The effort we give may be depleting, but it is always expected, seen, and divinely blessed by God Himself.
But at some point, we tire of the work. We’ve had enough, done our time. We’re exhausted and ready for a breather. We see that others don’t do their share, and think it’s time they do. Maybe we simply retire and step out because that season is over. For any number of reasons, we feel we have no more to give.
The Lord understands weariness, knowing Himself the fatigue of long days and nights, of hunger and thirst and having no place to lay His head. But He also was resolved to do and finish the Father’s will, and that took Him, with eyes on the prize, toward Jerusalem and the cross. Fainting and choosing ‘easier’ was never an option. (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 9:51,58; John 4:6-7,34; Hebrews 12:2)
It is our calling and privilege to serve the Lord, and even if capacity changes, He never commands retiring for good. He doesn’t forget what we have done, and has new plans for us when a season of ministry or secular work is complete. He supplies refreshment for our weariness, enabling for our dearth, and sure hope with a growing measure of faith. He expects us to spur one another on adding strength to strength within the Body. Have we grown lazy and given up, or asked Him for redirection, focus, and fresh zeal? (Galatians 6:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Hebrews 10:24)
Where are we currently serving the Lord? If it is in a secular vocation, how clearly is He front and center in motivation and performance? If within our community or an organization, how widely and winsomely are we spreading the fragrance of Christ? If in sacred ministry, do we give Him our all, or are we complacent because we love each other or are merely volunteers? Is all our work done with excellence, standing apart for the glory of God? It is the Lord we are serving. If we have moved on from a time-consuming job, where is He calling us anew? (Romans 12:11-13; 2 Corinthians 2:15; Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 6:5-7; Colossians 3:23-24; 1 Timothy 4:14)
Sufficient, worthy Lord, keep me working and loving as You bid, unto Your glory.
As the rain and snow 