It's NOT in Vain!
Sometimes, we think our efforts have been in vain…only to
find out just the opposite. Years ago, our church had helped a prostitute get off the street, into an apartment, and into a steady job. She was doing great until she got sick and missed several days of work. She “did the math” and realized she wouldn’t make her rent payment that month. At the time, the state made you wait 60 days to reapply for housing assistance once you came off that assistance due to income. Thus, if she was evicted, she’d be homeless for two months during the coldest months of the year.
She went back to “turning tricks.”
Embarrassed, she disappeared. We searched for her, but couldn’t find her. She ditched her cell phone and moved out of her apartment. I thought she had left God, the church, and everything good…
Until…over 10 years later, during an especially rough period in ministry for me. I was feeling down and asking God to show me whether or not my ministry was bearing any fruit. “Out of the blue,” I got a call from a woman who said, “Pastor, I don’t know if you remember me, but I felt led to call you today. I’m sorry I disappeared on you years ago. Still, you need to know that I’m OK. I’m serving God. I’m drug-free and I’m safe. Thank you for all you did for me.”
It was her…God is good…your labor is NOT in vain!
Whatever you are doing for the Lord, he sees it. Seeds are planted...and fruit WILL be born. Keep your chin up...and never give-up!
