Your Labor for the Lord will Never be In Vain
Key Verse to Read and Treasure
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. (1 Corinthians 15:58, NLT)
For Insight
In the Book of Genesis Jacob contracted with Laban to work seven years for his youngest daughter Rachel. But as it turned out Laban tricked Jacob and gave him Rachel’s older sister Leah instead. No wonder Jacob was furious with Laban. He had labored seven years without getting the wife he wanted. He was determined to marry Rachel, so he agreed to work for Laban another seven years. Even though it may have seemed so to Jacob at the time, his labors were not in vain. He couldn’t see the benefit or blessing in that moment but much later he would. His 14 years of laboring would pay off in a big way. The thought of having Rachel as his bride must have kept him going for seven more years.
God had a plan for Jacob’s life that included both Rachel and Leah. His plan was not for Jacob alone, but all of Israel. God’s plans included both women because through both of them the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel would come forth and eventually become a blessing to the entire world. If Jacob had been given Rachel after the first seven years, then he never would have labored for Leah. Unbeknownst to Jacob, God had great plans that would be fulfilled through Jacob’s willingness to labor.
I’ve been working all summer on a project which I’m now calling a labor of love. Just one more step and it will be complete. Nothing you do for the Lord, in accordance with His plans and direction will be in vain. Whether it is a course of study, returning to school when school is the last place you want to be, starting a new business, working long hours until you are exhausted to complete a project, committing to a plan that supports better health, taking a path you know is all God, your labors for the Lord are not in vain. You don’t have to understand it all. Jacob didn’t know at the time, not until much later did he realize what God had accomplished through him; and then not as fully as we understand it today.
Labor Day is a great day for family get-togethers or just resting from your labors. But it’s also a great time to reassess what you’re laboring for. Are they for your own plans and purposes or are they those you work hard at because you sense God has led you?
Praying I Corinthians 15:58
Dear Father, Your plans for me are awesome and perfectly suited. I will not be afraid to labor for the things you give me to do even when I can’t see the fullness of it just yet. Amen
Challenge
Are you holding off on something God has put on your heart to accomplish? Letting the prospect of the workload keep you from saying yes to God?
Digging Deeper
Devotionally Yours 